The Golden Door: February 2024

Here is an update on recent state and federal activities impacting the lives of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Maine.

ILAP Public Comment: TANF Rule #118P – Noncitizen Language

ILAP submits a public comment to the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Family Independence recommending changes to the Public Assistance Manual to ensure all eligible noncitizens can access and understand critical Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Advocacy in Action, Public CommentILAP MaineFebruary 12, 2024Advocacy, Benefits, Asylum, Language Access

ILAP Testimony in Support of LD 1651: An Act To Support Working Families through Outreach and Education about Tax Credits for Persons of Low Income

ILAP Advocacy & Outreach Director Julia Brown, Esq. testified in support of LD 1561: An Act To Support Working Families through Outreach and Education about Tax Credits for Persons of Low Income before the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Taxation.

Call Maine's Senators and Demand COVID-19 Relief for Immigrant Families

Our federal government STILL has not acted on a second round of COVID-19 relief. Worse, it has not remedied the millions of immigrant families left out of the first stimulus payments. Call or email our senators today and make it clear that we demand that immigrant families be included in COVID-19 relief!

Call to ActionILAP MaineDecember 17, 2020COVID-19, Benefits

Take less than five minutes to advocate for Maine immigrant families!

So far, federal COVID-19 relief legislation has left out low- and middle-income immigrant families in devastating ways, including access to healthcare and economic relief. Right now, Congress is crafting the next relief package. Making our voices heard today and next week could make a difference, particularly with the Senate version.

Call to ActionILAP MaineMay 8, 2020Detention, COVID-19, Public Charge, Benefits, Enforcement

ILAP Sign-On Letter Urging COVID-19 Relief for Maine Immigrants

Over forty Maine organizations have signed a letter calling for Maine's Congressional delegation to push for the inclusion of immigrant families in the next COVID-19 relief package.

Advocacy in Action, Advocacy LetterILAP MaineApril 22, 2020COVID-19, Benefits, Enforcement, Public Charge

Demand Congress Fix Gaps in Coronavirus Relief

ILAP is deeply disappointed with the Families First Coronavirus Response and CARES Acts, which left low- and middle-income immigrant families out of our nation’s recovery plans. COVID-19 does not discriminate, and neither should our public health and economic stimulus policies.

Call to ActionILAP MaineApril 17, 2020Detention, COVID-19, Public Charge, Benefits, Enforcement

Advocates deeply concerned about ‘public charge’ rule impact in Maine following Supreme Court decision

In a press release on January 31, 2020, advocacy groups that work with immigrants in Maine expressed deep concerns about the U.S. Supreme Court decision to allow the public charge rule to take effect while the legal challenges continue, saying it will hurt the health and well-being of immigrant communities in Maine.

Press Release, Advocacy in ActionILAP MaineJanuary 31, 2020Public Charge, Advocacy, Benefits