The Golden Door: December 2023
Action Alert: As Congressional Foreign Aid Negotiations Spill Over Into New Year, Threat to Asylum Remains
As Congress continues to debate trading the lives and rights of asylum seekers and immigrants for short term foreign aid, we must keep the pressure up – life-saving asylum is NOT a bargaining chip.
New Women's Refugee Commission Report Features ILAP and Maine
The Women’s Refugee Commission launched their highly-anticipated report, Opportunities for Welcome: Lessons Learned for Supporting People Seeking Asylum in Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Portland, Maine.
The report highlights challenges and best practices for welcoming asylum seekers and ways that all levels of government and philanthropic institutions can develop transformative systems and policies to meet the needs of displaced people seeking safety both now and in the long term.
We're Hiring!
Join ILAP's passionate team working to expand legal support for immigrant communities across rural Maine. We are seeking a full-time Rural Maine Project Attorney to lead our Rural Maine Project, a program providing immigration legal services and outreach to Maine’s rural immigrant communities.
The salary range for staff attorney positions is $68,000-$76,000, depending on experience. This position is based in Maine and requires travel as well as occasional evening and weekend hours to meet the needs of farmworker clients.
Review of applications will begin on January 17, 2024. Learn more and apply at ilapmaine.org/employment. And please help us spread the word about this important position!
ILAP in the News
The Portland Press Herald covered the new shelter that opened for asylum seekers at the beginning of December. ILAP will be offering immigration legal support and asylum assistance alongside support from the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC), In Her Presence, and others.
This month's Amjambo Time episode featured reflections from Hope Acts' Martha Stein and Executive Director Sue Roche on ILAP's 30th anniversary!
The Piscataquis Observer announced that 24 Maine organizations received funding to advance gender equity from the Maine Women’s Fund at the Maine Community Foundation. And the Bangor Daily News announced grants by the Maine Justice Foundation for six state groups working for racial justice. Thank you to both foundations for supporting ILAP's work!
ILAP and Akakpo & Co. Bravery Thermos
Akakpo & Co. is once again selling beautiful ILAP thermoses. Featuring the Adrinkra symbol for Bravery, these thermoses embody the bravery of migration, the bravery of starting over, and the bravery of speaking out. For every thermos sold, Akakpo & Co. will donate a portion of the proceeds to ILAP.
Grab an ILAP Bravery thermos for yourself or someone who inspires you to be brave. Your purchase supports ILAP and a local, immigrant-owned business!
ICYMI: ILAP's 30th Anniversary Report
This 30th anniversary special-edition annual report reflects on ILAP’s history, highlights our impact, includes a full list of supporters from 2022, and demonstrates how support like yours advances our journey toward justice
Interested in a printed copy? We are happy to send one in the mail to you. Email contact@ilapmaine.org to request a printed report.
