Michigan asks residents to help house, settle migrants amid crisis at border

Michigan is asking residents to help house migrants in their homes and help resettle them into society as the crisis at the southern border continues. 

The state Department of Labor and Economic Development said volunteers who wish to participate must commit for at least 90 days as part of the refugee support program. 

"Programs like the Welcome Corps advance the Office of Global Michigan’s mission to make Michigan the home for opportunity for our immigrant, refugee and ethnic communities," said Poppy Hernandez, Global Michigan Director and Michigan’s Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. "Expanded refugee resettlement pathways empower more Michiganders to support our state’s growing refugee population and build a more welcoming and inclusive Michigan for all." 

Sponsors would be expected to support newly arrived refugees by greeting them at the airport, securing and preparing initial housing, enrolling children in school and helping adults find employment. 

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Single migrant men, mostly from West Africa, congregate in Tompkins Square Park as volunteers give away food and clothing in the East Village neighborhood of New York City. Michigan is asking residents to help house migrants arriving to the state.  (Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images)

The migrants will come from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, all points of origin where many have been hoping to apply for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development for more information.

The request comes as multiple cities are grappling with how to house and provide services to newly arrived migrants from the southern border. 

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Cities like New York and Chicago have also dealt with issues related to migrants committing crimes, as well as pushback from residents who have voiced anger and concern over the influx. Migrant shelters in those cities have largely been full, forcing officials to come up with ways to safely house the migrants. 

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Last year, Massachusetts officials asked residents to open their doors as migrant shelters were full at the time.

"Most importantly, if you have an extra room or suite in your home, please consider hosting a family. Housing and shelter is our most pressing need and become a sponsor family," said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.