The Golden Door: January 2023
Biden Administration Proposes Inhumane Asylum Ban
ILAP condemns the Biden administration’s January 5th border announcement, which expands Title 42 and proposes reinstating another Trump-era attack on asylum – requiring asylum seekers who pass through third countries in their search for safety in the U.S. to have applied for asylum in those other countries.
These proposals are deadly, racist, and erode U.S. and international law. ILAP joined nearly 300 organizations across the country in rejecting Biden’s asylum ban. ILAP applauds Representative Chellie Pingree for her leadership in joining 70+ of her colleagues in calling on the Biden administration to reverse course.
From the southern border to Maine, we can and must welcome asylum seekers with dignity.
Check out this video from the #WelcomeWithDignity campaign highlighting President Biden’s words on the campaign trail calling Trump policies inhumane while his administration now embraces them as their own.
U.S. Launches Private Sponsorship Program for Refugees
The State Department recently launched Welcome Corps, a new public/private initiative which will allow individuals and the private sector to more directly support refugees in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Refugee advocates across the country welcomed this news, a result of years of advocacy.
New Whistleblower Protection for Immigrant Workers
Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released new guidance clarifying that immigrant workers who are victims of or witness labor exploitation that is under investigation may receive temporary protection from deportation.
This protection is the culmination of years of organizing and advocacy in the immigrant labor rights movement. Read the press statement from the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), featuring the voices of immigrant workers who secured this victory.
18-Month Extension and Redesignation of TPS for Somalia Announced
ILAP welcomed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia had been extended and redesignated. This victory was secured by Black-immigrant led partner organizations, including African Communities Together and CAIR – Minnesota.
In addition to safeguarding current Somali TPS holders, the decision will expand life-saving protection to approximately 2,200 Somalis in the U.S.
Join our Team!
Are you excited about building an Human Resources (HR) and Operations infrastructure to support a growing organization? ILAP is hiring an HR and Operations Director!
We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal, organizational, and management skills, a passion for ILAP’s mission, and a commitment to racial justice and equity for our clients and staff.
Beginning salary is $78,500 based on five years of direct experience, plus generous benefits. ILAP also recognizes the value of having staff who speak common community languages and offers a base salary increase for those with spoken proficiency.
Help us spread the word about this new position. And if this sounds like a good fit for you, we hope you'll consider applying!
ILAP's Change of Venue Clinics
We will be hosting a Change of Venue Clinic in our Portland office on the third Friday of every month from 10am - 12pm.
These clinics help immigrants living in Maine change their court to the Boston Immigration Court, the closest court to Maine.
Where:
ILAP Portland Office
489 Congress Street, 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
When:
Friday, February 17th
10am - 12pm
Find more info in your language:
ILAP in the News
Credit: News Center Maine
Executive Director Sue Roche was featured in a News Center Maine video about the impact of a federal law restricting asylum seekers’ ability to work for six or more months after arriving in the U.S. and the resilience of asylum seekers in Maine.
Senior Policy and Outreach Attorney Lisa Parisio discussed the recent expansion of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia and Ethiopia and the benefits of TPS as a form of protection for people impacted by the global climate crisis with Maine Public.
News Center Maine and Mainebiz reported on ILAP’s collaborative effort with Preble Street and Pine Tree Legal Assistance to increase services and support for people experiencing trafficking in Maine, a new initiative made possible by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
Maine Public’s News Connect highlighted ILAP’s major concerns about the Biden administration’s new plan for processing asylum claims in Episode 87 and overviewed recent news about Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in Episode 88. The News Connect program airs every Friday in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Somali, and English. Learn more here!
Thank you!
Thanks to the generosity of the George J. and Theresa L. Cotsirilos Family Foundation and two anonymous local families, ILAP had three year-end match challenges, together totaling $55,000.
You rose to the challenge(s) and we met all three matches!
We received, in addition to other gifts, nearly $60,000 in new or increased gifts from more than 150 supporters between mid-November and the end of 2022! Your collective generosity means that these year-end gifts will go twice as far toward advancing justice for immigrants in Maine.
Thank you to everyone who supported ILAP's work! Together, we are building a world where systems are rooted in justice, where everyone belongs and thrives.
ICYMI: ILAP's on Instagram
We have a new Instagram page! You can follow us @ILAPMaine.
On our Instagram, you will find important immigration news updates, multilingual resources for immigrants in Maine, calls to action, and more. Join us on our Instagram journey!