The Globe has a well-balanced story this morning on immigration in Massachusetts, describing the recent influx of immigrants who are truly transforming the state. … What’s encouraging is that most Massachusetts residents welcome (or mostly welcome) immigrants. They’ve concluded, like I have, that the newcomers are mostly hard-working, law-abiding and friendly people, despite the rants of a certain obnoxious Orange Man running for president.

But there is rising concern/anger/resentment, as the Globe reports, at how much the state is spending on shelters and other services provided to the newcomers, raising complaints among both Republicans and Democrats that they’re getting “free rides” at the expense of long-time residents. And it’s a very legitimate complaint, IMHO, and it’s one of the reasons Dem lawmakers are rightly retreating somewhat from their previous open-arms approach to immigration.

Two other quick concerns that weren’t directly addressed in the story and are sort of small pet-peeves of mine: 1.) By spending so much on migrant shelters, education, health care, food stamps etc., are we effectively creating a long-term entitlement mindset among the newcomers? 2.) Are they developing a sense of civic and patriotic pride? I view this as key, especially since the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol and fears of the weakening of our democracy. The last thing we need are new citizens (or future citizens) who are cynical and apathetic about America and our constitutional rights.