Massachusetts' EBT Scandal Reveals Rampant Welfare Abuse by Migrants

A new investigation by The Boston Herald has uncovered rampant abuse of taxpayer-funded welfare benefits by migrants in Massachusetts, including lavish spending on tropical vacations and distant states. The report raises concerns about the sustainability of the state's "right-to-shelter" law and its appeal as a "destination" for migrants.

Investigative journalism by The Boston Herald has brought to light a shocking revelation: Massachusetts taxpayers' money is being abused on a lavish scale by migrants through the state's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program.

Public records show that EBT cards, funded by federal and state dollars, have been used in Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, California, Florida, Alaska, and other locations across the country. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, over $3 billion was distributed to recipients in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts' EBT Scandal Reveals Rampant Welfare Abuse by Migrants

An alarming example is the use of EBT funds in Hawaii, where 32 charges were recorded this year. One expenditure amounted to $378 in March on the island of Maui, while another $351 was spent in Hilo. The money was also used in Honolulu, Pearl City, Princeville, Waikoloa, and Captain Cook, all popular tourist destinations.

The abuse extends beyond Hawaii, with EBT spending documented in virtually every state in the U.S., including 165 cities and towns in California and 293 locations in Florida. Over a dozen expenditures occurred in the Virgin Islands and Alaska, including a $395 charge in Anchorage.

Massachusetts' EBT Scandal Reveals Rampant Welfare Abuse by Migrants

Massachusetts' Republican state Sen. Ryan Fattman expressed outrage at the findings, calling them "insanity and government at its worst." He questioned why individuals receiving taxpayer funds would be spending them in Hawaii and emphasized that the money should be used to help struggling families in the state.

The Boston Herald report also highlights the restrictions on EBT usage, which prohibit purchases of alcohol, firearms, pornography, recreational marijuana, gambling, and lottery tickets. However, usage while traveling must be approved by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and failure to do so could result in benefits being terminated.

Massachusetts' EBT Scandal Reveals Rampant Welfare Abuse by Migrants

Despite the restrictions, the report's findings raise concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability in the EBT system. Over $11 billion in food and economic assistance has been distributed in the past three fiscal years, largely to qualifying residents below the federal poverty level.

Massachusetts' "right-to-shelter" law, which grants migrants access to welfare programs, has made the state a desirable "destination" for migrants seeking economic assistance. An estimated 50,000 illegal immigrants have flocked to Massachusetts since 2021, putting a significant strain on taxpayer resources.

Massachusetts' EBT Scandal Reveals Rampant Welfare Abuse by Migrants

A recent report by The Center for Immigration Studies projects that the state's migrant crisis will cost taxpayers $1.8 billion over the next two years. Migrants are eligible for food stamps, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, and other public services, placing a further burden on Massachusetts' already stretched welfare system.

The EBT scandal not only highlights the abuse of taxpayer funds but also raises questions about the sustainability of Massachusetts' "right-to-shelter" law and its implications for the state's fiscal well-being.