The Golden Door: February 2025
"Why Mainers must defend justice for immigrants"
This week, ILAP community member Chris James wrote a powerful op-ed for the Bangor Daily News. Chris’s piece highlighted the pivotal role Maine has played in advancing civil rights throughout U.S. history and why we, as a state and a community, must meet the moment today.
“This is not just a political issue. It’s about people. It’s about recognizing that Maine’s history is one of inclusion, resilience, and a commitment to doing what’s right even when it’s difficult. Immigrants are not newcomers to Maine’s story; they have always been part of it. And now, as forces seek to divide us, we must make a choice: Will we stand by and let fear and misinformation take hold, or will we continue Maine’s long tradition of welcoming those who seek a better life?”
Blocked by a paywall? Check out our post to read the full article.
TAKE ACTION: Raise Your Voice for Immigrant Rights!
"Silence in the face of injustice only allows it to grow. Now, more than ever, we must stand up and support those in need," wrote Chris in the op-ed.
For this week’s action, we encourage our ILAP community to share Chris’s op-ed and raise your own voice about why the United States must not slam the door shut on people looking for a better life.
It’s up to you what form your action takes, whether that be a conversation, on social media, or penning your own op-ed. Check out this guidance from our partners at Maine Equal Justice on how to write an effective op-ed or letter to the editor. If you need support, reach out to us at contact@ilapmaine.org.
ILAP's 2025 Policy & Advocacy Priorities
ILAP released our Policy & Advocacy Priorities for 2025 earlier this month!
In 2025, ILAP will prioritize defending immigrant communities from mass enforcement, defending humanitarian immigration pathways, expanding access to immigration legal services in Maine, and supporting efforts to help people meet basic needs.
Our priorities are informed by and built on the needs and goals identified by our client community and other immigrant communities across the state. See the full list of priorities at ilapmaine.org/advocacy-priorities.
Immigration Law & Policy Updates
Below is a summary of some key immigration law and policy developments from the week of February 23, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: All updates are subject to rapid change.
Immigration Announcement:
Federal judge temporarily stops Trump administration’s Executive Order that suspended the U.S. refugee admissions program
What It Means:
One of the Trump administration’s first actions was to suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. That executive order left people who were applying to come to the U.S. through the refugee program stranded, blocked chances of family reunification, and stopped resettlement agencies in the U.S. and other organizations serving refugees from doing their work.
A judge has temporarily stopped this Trump order. Learn more about the lawsuit and listen to a recorded press conference here.
Federal judge temporarily stops Trump administration policy that allowed immigrant enforcement at the plaintiffs’ place of worship
As part of its mass enforcement campaign, the Trump administration ended a longstanding policy that had prohibited immigration enforcement at locations like schools, hospitals, places of worship, and more. Days after this announcement, a group of Quaker, Baptist, and Sikh denominations and congregations filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration from conducting enforcement at places of worship.
This past week, a federal judge issued an order that temporarily stops the Trump administration from conducting enforcement at the places of worship that filed the lawsuit. This order does not apply at all places of worship, only the religious organizations that filed this particular lawsuit.
More than two dozen Christian and Jewish groups representing millions of Americans have also filed a similar but separate lawsuit in the state of Washington.
Trump administration announces it will bring back “registration” requirements for certain immigrants
The Trump administration announced this week it is bringing back a piece of immigration law called “registration” that has not been used for decades. The law requires noncitizens over age 14 in the U.S. to register with the government (if they are not already considered to be registered).
The administration plans to use criminal penalties for people who do not register or carry documents. Many immigrants who have had some contact with the U.S. government are already considered to be registered. However, people who entered the U.S. and have had no contact with the government or have never been fingerprinted by the government will be put in a very difficult position. They will need to decide whether to comply with the registration process and share their information with the federal government or face criminal charges if they are caught not complying. Learn more here.
PLEASE NOTE: At the time of this email, the official registration process has not opened.
House passes budget resolution
This week the House passed their budget resolution which would allocate $200 billion for mass immigration enforcement. This follows the Senate passing their budget resolution last week, which would provide more than $350 billion to the Trump administration to carry out mass enforcement.
Both versions would cut social services programs for low-income people to fund the Trump administration’s deportation agenda. Ultimately, both the House and the Senate must pass the same version of the budget. The process is ongoing and nothing is final at the time of this email.
Dream and Promise Act
reintroduced in Congress
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has reintroduced the Dream and Promise Act - a bill that could provide more than two million Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and TPS holders a pathway to citizenship.
As immigrant communities face attacks from the Trump administration and their supporters, it is key to remember that the best path forward for immigrant communities, our economy, and the future of the U.S. is a path to citizenship for undocumented people. Our current immigration system is incredibly limited, with few pathways to status or protection – especially long-term.
ILAP applauds the reintroduction of the Dream and Promise Act and the affirmative policy solution it offers, especially during these times. No matter what challenges the landscape presents, we will continue to advocate for meaningful change and for the rights and dignity of immigrant communities in Maine and beyond.
Listen to Azhalia’s story and why even in the face of profound anti-immigrant attacks, we must still push for the Dream and Promise Act.
For previous updates from ILAP, check out the links below:
Community Update: February 21, 2025
Community Update: February 14, 2025
Community Update: February 7, 2025
PLEASE NOTE: These updates are subject to rapid change.
ILAP in the Community
ILAP was honored to once again partner with Chickadeeds for a family-friendly volunteer event this month, Warmth & Advocacy: Supporting New Mainers in Our Community. Over 60 volunteers came together to create handmade cards for people in immigration detention in Maine, make 25 blankets for immigrant families with newborn babies, and take action via a petition signing station. Big thanks to all the volunteers, In Her Presence, SPACE Gallery, and Chickadeeds!
ILAP also took part in this month's two-day Black History Month Community Wellness Fair, organized by Cross Cultural Community Services. Executive Director Sue Roche was a featured panelist and spoke about the initial impacts of the Trump administration and how to prepare for upcoming challenges.
ILAP's Catherine and Marjorie talking with Chickadeeds volunteers about ILAP's work and immigration in Maine.
Executive Director Sue Roche on a panel during the Black History Month Community Wellness Fair.
ILAP in the News
Policy Director Lisa Parisio spoke with Maine Public about sanctuary policies, explaining the Trump administration’s tactic of commandeering local and state resources to carry out federal immigration enforcement.
Executive Director Sue Roche presented at a recent information session for businesses, hosted by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, to explain the impact of changing immigration policies on employees and employers. The session was covered by Maine Public.
ILAP Volunteer Opportunities
Our work would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers who give their time and skills to support Maine’s immigrant communities. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, consider becoming a volunteer with ILAP! Check out our current volunteer opportunities:
1) Front Desk Volunteer
Location: ILAP’s Portland Office
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per week during ILAP’s office hours & willing to make a 6-month commitment
Front Desk Volunteers help greet and welcome clients to our office, verify appointments, and communicate with clients and ILAP staff. Fluency or high proficiency in Portuguese and/or French is preferred.
2) Development Research Volunteer
Location: Remote or ILAP’s Portland Office
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 2-4 hours per week
Development Research Volunteers support ILAP's fundraising efforts by researching prospective donors, national foundations, corporations, and grantors using iWave and other research tools. We will provide training!
Executive Director Sue Roche Honored with 2025 Community Award 🧡
Executive Director Sue Roche has been selected as a 2025 Community Awardee by Women United Around the World (WUAW)! The award recognizes Sue as a longstanding and reliable advocate for Maine's immigrant communities and highlights her work and leadership at ILAP.
Join us to celebrate Sue and support WUAW's work at their upcoming International Women’s Day Fashion Show & Fundraiser Gala on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland.
The Power of a Planned Gift: A Gift That Costs Nothing Today
One of the most meaningful ways to support ILAP’s future doesn’t require writing a check. By including ILAP in your will, retirement account, or life insurance policy, you ensure that immigrant families continue receiving life-changing legal support for generations to come.
Planned giving is simple, flexible, and impactful. Whether you want to designate a specific amount or a percentage of your estate, every gift helps build a future where justice is within reach for all.
If you’d like to learn more about planned giving, we’d love to connect! Reach out anytime to Marjorie Hankla at mhankla@ilapmaine.org.
Know Your Rights Resources
It is up to all of us to ensure we are only sharing good and verifiable information with our communities. Check out ILAP's reminders about preventing the spread of misinformation.
ILAP has updated our Know Your Rights page with trusted resources and links to more information. We encourage you to share these resources broadly.
[English] Know Your Rights:
https://ilapmaine.org/know-your-rights[Français] Connaitre Ses Droits:
https://ilapmaine.org/know-your-rights-french[Português] Conheça Seus Direitos:
https://ilapmaine.org/know-your-rights-portuguese[Español] Conozca Sus Derechos:
https://ilapmaine.org/know-your-rights-spanish[Kreyòl Ayisyen] Konnen Dwa Ou:
https://ilapmaine.org/know-your-rights-haitian-creole
