This bill would require individuals and families in the emergency housing assistance program undergoing the federal immigration process with a financial sponsor to be identified. After those with a financial sponsor have been identified, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office will then seek reimbursements of funds provided by the state that should have been covered by the financial sponsor through legal action.

In the United States, a financial sponsor is not required and not legally responsible for an asylum seeker. However, a US immigration financial sponsor is a US citizen or green card holder who promises to financially support an immigrant applicant for a family-based green card. The sponsor must sign an affidavit of support, which is a contract that shows the immigrant is not likely to become a public charge or dependent on the government. The sponsor's financial responsibility usually lasts until the immigrant becomes a US citizen or can be credited for 10 years of work under the Social Security Act.