President Donald Trump imposed the fee on foreign workers hired to fill professional positions, claiming the program was being abused. Business and immigrant advocates say that’s not true and that the fees will hurt small businesses.
immigration
Federal judge in Maine orders release of 3 Ecuadorian men before bond hearings
The order comes as several civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, announced a class action lawsuit against the federal government over ICE actions.
Trump signs $100K fee on H-1B visas, potentially affecting Maine tech workers
While certain to face legal challenges, the move could impact hundreds of skilled workers in the state.
Portland citizenship ceremony brings relief amid immigration crackdown
The country’s intense immigration enforcement and divisive political rhetoric weighed on Wednesday’s ceremony as 50 people from 28 countries were naturalized as American citizens.
Three Ecuadorian men ask Maine’s U.S. District Court to halt their expedited removals
A group of petitions filed this week are the latest instance in which Maine’s federal bench is being asked to wade deeper into immigration enforcement.
ICE releases Ecuadorian man Border Patrol flew from Maine to Texas
Edgar Vicente Bermeo Sicha was released from ICE custody on Saturday, one day after a federal judge in Maine ordered the agency to do so, according to a status update filed with the court Monday.
Federal judge in Maine orders release of Ecuadorian man whom Border Patrol flew to Texas
Edgar Vicente Bermeo Sicha was arrested July 28 and flown to Texas several weeks later. A judge ruled that detention violated Bermeo Sicha’s due process rights.
Federal judge in Maine considers whether to bring back a man Border Patrol flew to Texas
Edgar Vicente Bermeo Sicha’s lawyer said Border Patrol held his client for weeks.
Erratic driving led to Skowhegan traffic stop, detaining of 14 Romanians
Border Patrol agents detained 10 people stopped in a vehicle, a family member who came to the scene in another car and another 3 people staying at a nearby hotel, according to police reports.
How Maine churches are reckoning with fear of immigration raids
Faith leaders are working to set up protocols for interacting with federal agents and ensuring immigrants know their rights, as well as helping to launch an ICE watch initiative.