Maine’s congressional delegation has been pushing to let asylum seekers work sooner, although the prospects appear dim for the bipartisan Senate bill that contains Sen. Susan Collins’ provision on speeding up work permits.
asylum seekers
Posted inKennebec Journal, Local & State, News
More refugees, asylum seekers are arriving in central Maine in search of a better life
Officials say soaring rents and limited availability of housing units in Portland, Lewiston, and other big cities is driving more refugees and asylum seekers to central Maine neighborhoods like Augusta and Waterville.
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Posted inLocal & State
Feds deny request to accelerate work permits for Maine asylum seekers
The state asked for a waiver of the federal six-month waiting period to let asylum seekers go to work, but no such provision exists in federal law.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Gov. Mills asks Legislature to create new state office for immigrants
The Office of New Americans would help asylum seekers and other immigrants integrate into the workforce and community.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, News
Group hopes to bring furniture bank to Lewiston
The group of volunteers brings new or gently used items to asylum seekers in Lewiston and Auburn.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Collins, King, Pingree ask federal agency to extend funding period for asylum seekers
The request comes as federal support for Portland’s resettlement program is set to be replaced with a program that only covers services within 45 days of migrants’ arrival in the United States.
Posted inLocal & State, News
In Lewiston, young people are face of change for low-income Mainers, people of color
A group of 15 people from immigrant communities met to address ways to counter systemic barriers in the state and develop strategies for building relationships.
Posted inNew England
Massachusetts lawmakers consider funding temporary shelter for migrant families
The state recently hit its self-imposed limit of 7,500 families in its homeless shelter system.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Shelter for asylum seekers to open this week in Portland
The city says the new shelter, providing housing for up to 179 people, will open up about 120 beds at the Homeless Services Center and hopefully get people off the streets.
Posted inLocal & State
Pingree, Collins renew long-shot bids to let asylum seekers go to work
Maine’s 1st District congresswoman has submitted an amendment to shorten the waiting period for work permits, and Maine’s senior senator is pressing for a similar provision in the Senate.