It’s also hard to track the numbers now that the city of Portland isn’t involved with as many arrivals.
asylum seekers
Rep. Pingree among lawmakers seeking review of New England asylum cases
A March report by Maine immigrant advocacy groups found that the regional office in Boston had a low rate of approvals.
Our View: Federal immigration failures create local crisis in Maine
Gridlock in Washington has exacerbated suffering for people who are only trying to survive.
Criticism of Gov. Mills mounts in Portland over asylum seekers
A Portland city councilor says the governor has ‘largely ignored’ the crisis, while a state representative and party leader called the administration’s response ‘absolutely abysmal.’
Portland Councilor Fournier: Gov. Mills needs to step up on behalf of Democratic values
Instead, she has stalled tribal sovereignty; largely ignored the plight of asylum seekers, and failed to stand up for LGBTQ+ young people.
Nonprofits call on state to coordinate housing and other services for asylum seekers
A letter from 79 nonprofits and community organizations calls for state coordination, including the opening of emergency housing sites, to address the ongoing influx of asylum seekers into Maine.
Shawn Moody: Let’s seize opportunity to help immigrants build better lives in Maine
A bill coauthored by Sen. Collins slashes the waiting period for a work permit, and SOAR Maine will match asylum seekers with jobs.
Report on Boston Asylum Office finds disproportionately low acceptance rates, bias against applicants
The office serving asylum seekers in and around Maine has the second lowest approval rate in the nation, according to a report by Maine immigrant advocacy groups.
Rep. Pingree submits bill to shorten asylum seekers’ wait for work authorization
The legislation, which comes as Portland sees an influx of asylum seekers, would shorten the waiting period for work eligibility to 30 days.
Mainers respond to Westbrook woman’s grief over headstone kept from husband’s grave
A fund has been set up to accept donations to help the widow of a former Afghan general who died of COVID-19.