The Golden Door: November 2024
ILAP Remains a Fierce Advocate for Maine’s Immigrant Communities
In the aftermath of this month's election, ILAP staff joined with our partners to express our unyielding care for and commitment to Maine’s immigrant communities. We know that the election results carry tremendous weight for immigrant families and the future of immigration.
“Despite the threats of mass deportation, we have a legal system and due process rights that must be enforced," said Executive Director Sue Roche. "ILAP and other immigration advocates around the country will fiercely defend those rights for our clients and for immigrant communities, while we continue to push for an immigration system that truly lives up to our ideals of fairness and justice.”
CALL TO ACTION: Support ILAP's Work
ILAP is ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Maine’s immigrant communities, our clients, our neighbors. We will not cease in our mission to fight for a more just and humane immigration system and to provide immigration legal services that transform lives.
We need people like you to stand with us. Will you join us by making a gift to help us prepare for the years ahead and our continued journey toward justice?
Our work has become undeniably more challenging. But we face the future undaunted and determined. We know that, together, our community is equipped with the resilience, commitment, and courage to continue defending the rights and lives of immigrants. Thank you for your steadfast support!
Advocates Call on Biden Administration to Take Steps Now to Protect Immigrant Communities from Incoming Administration’s Threats of Mass Deportations
In the wake of the election and incoming administration’s threats to immigrant communities, immigrant advocacy organizations across the nation delivered an urgent to do list for the Biden administration. Key actions the Biden administration should take now include:
Designating countries for Temporary Protected Status (TPS),
Extending work permits, and
Taking steps to end needless ongoing immigration court cases.
Read more about the urgent action items needed.
ILAP in the News
Executive Director Sue Roche speaking with WMTW about the impact of the election on immigrant communities in Maine, including asylum seekers, TPS holders, and children.
Executive Director Sue Roche spoke with the Portland Press Herald [1, 2] about ILAP's response to the election and the work ahead. Sue also discussed the likelihood and impact of potential immigration changes with Maine Public and sat down with WMTW for an extended interview, highlighting ILAP's continued commitment to defend the rights of Maine's immigrant communities.
Policy Director Lisa Parisio warned about the immediate and generational harms of mass immigration enforcement in a Bangor Daily News article covering the election and spoke with the Maine Morning Star about what immigrants and community organizations can do to prepare for the potential increase in enforcement.
The Maine Justice Foundation announced their 2024 Annual Awards in the Bangor Daily News. Congratulations to Senator Anne Carney, nominated by ILAP and our partners for her work enhancing civil legal aid in Maine, for receiving this year's Howard H. Dana, Jr. Award!
2025 Racial Justice Fellowship Opportunity
ILAP is excited to announce another paid fellowship opportunity through our Racial Justice Fellowship program! This fellowship offers an opportunity for immigrant students in law school to explore a future career in immigration legal service, while supporting Maine’s immigrant communities.
ILAP is currently accepting applications for our Summer 2025 Fellowship, open to rising 2L or 3L law students who identify as an immigrant or have a lived immigrant experience.
This is a paid fellowship with a stipend of $8,240 (minimum 10 weeks). Review of applications will begin on December 13th and continue until the position is filled. Thank you for helping us spread the word about this opportunity!
#GivingTuesday is Next Week!
Save the date! This year, #GivingTuesday is on December 3rd.
We will again use this global day of giving to reflect on ILAP's work in the context of our larger community and share appreciation for everyone who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with us in the fight for immigrant justice.
If you’re able, consider giving – time, money, appreciation – to support the organizations supporting Maine. You can kick off #GivingTuesday today with an investment in ILAP's work here: ilapmaine.org/donate. Thank you!
