ILAP celebrates 30 years

For three decades, ILAP has been working to build a world where systems are rooted in justice and where everyone belongs and thrives. Thanks for being part of our journey toward justice!

On the evening of October 19th, we were honored to mark our 30th anniversary with hundreds of supporters of Maine’s immigrant justice movement at the University of New England’s Portland campus. Together, we connected with our history, enjoyed globally inspired food and music, committed to the journey still ahead.

Photo credit: Ned Warner Photography

“ILAP has made an immeasurable difference to the legal landscape for immigrants in the state of Maine. Their expertise, experience and compassion have been instrumental in creating a welcoming environment for all immigrants to our state and we are all incredibly grateful.”

— Carolyn Graney, event attendee

our history

On a winter evening in 1993, the Honorable Peter Darvin invited Beth Stickney to come up from Boston to meet. Peter, then an attorney with Pine Tree Legal Assistance, had seen a large increase in requests for immigration legal aid and knew that existing services would not be able to meet the demand. By the end of the meeting, ILAP was born.

What began as a volunteer-led initiative helping 15-20 asylum seekers per year has grown into a staff of 30+ serving thousands of immigrants and their families.

ILAP’s 30-year timeline

JOIN US

ILAP’s journey toward justice doens’t end here. Here are 3 ways you can help advance justice for immigrants and join us on our ongoing journey toward justice:

1) TAKE ACTION TO #LETASYLUMSEEKERSWORK

On the same day as our event, ILAP and partners across the country launched the Let Asylum Seekers Work national campaign aimed at reducing the amount of time asylum seekers have to wait for work permits.

The campaign seeks to build support for Representative Pingree’s bipartisan legislation in the House, the Asylum Seekers Work Authorization Act. When asylum seekers are allowed to work, we all win.

Show your support by taking action at the button below - and don’t forget to select that you heard about this campaign from ILAP!

take action

2) MAKE A GIFT

ILAP is committed to growing and adapting our legal services to help more clients navigate the immigration system we have, while we deepen our advocacy work so we can change that system, together.

We envision a world where systems are rooted in justice, where everyone belongs and thrives. To reach that destination, it will take all of us.

Make a gift today in honor of ILAP’s 30th anniversary!

donate

3) TAKE OUR SURVEY

We strive to shape our direct legal services, education, and advocacy around community needs. As we look to the future, we want to include your ideas.

Fill out our short survey to share your perspective and priorities for the future. The word cloud seen here is a summary of collected survey responses.

survey