ILAP Community Update: March 14
March 14, 2025
Dear Community,
We know that in addition to policy change, spreading fear, chaos, and misinformation is key to the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda. One of the most important things we can all do to counter that is to be sources of reliable and accurate information.
Here are some immigration organizations we recommend. Check out their websites, join their mailing lists, and give them a follow on social media.
ACTION TO TAKE THIS WEEK
The Trump administration’s mass federal layoffs have not spared the immigration court system, with nearly 30 immigration judges being fired so far. The immigration court system is already tremendously backlogged and the administration’s actions are further eroding access to fair and efficient hearings for people seeking legal relief. The slow-down of the court system also poses threats of even-more prolonged immigrant detention, and the corresponding health, safety, and legal risks.
Tell Congress to Hold Trump Administration Accountable for Attacks on Immigration Courts
Congress’ oversight function is a key check to the Trump administration’s power – click below to tell the Maine delegation to use it.
Huge thanks to the 240+ people who participated in yesterday's important action alert! Together, we can be powerful advocates for immigrant justice.
Immigration Law & Policy Updates:
Below is a summary of some key immigration law and policy developments during the week of March 9, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: All updates are subject to rapid change.
Immigration Announcement:
Immigration detention facilities expanded in New England
What It Means:
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun using a medium-security prison in New Hampshire to house people who are detained. Media has reported that potentially 500 people could be detained by ICE at the location.
ILAP is gravely concerned about the expansion of detention facilities in New England, and everywhere across the nation, including the risks to safety, health, and legal rights.
ILAP and ACLU Maine issued a joint press release on these developments and are monitoring the situation.
PLEASE NOTE: ICE using this prison in New Hampshire does not necessarily mean that there will be an immediate increase in the number of immigration arrests in Maine, but it does create a situation where ICE may be able to logistically conduct more enforcement in our region.
Administration launches “CBP Home” app
The Trump administration has launched “CBP Home,” an update of the previous administration’s “CBP One” app.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that the app provides undocumented people with the opportunity to inform the government that they will “self-deport” and according to DHS, preserves “their chance to return legally in the future and live the American Dream.”
In reality, the reason people are undocumented in the United States is because our immigration legal system is incredibly narrow and offers extremely limited pathways for those seeking permanent status. The Trump administration is making every effort to restrict options further. This app falls in line with other recent policy changes from the administration that are aimed at increasing surveillance of immigrant communities.
Administration considering revoking parole for Ukrainians already in the U.S.
Media reported this week that the Trump administration is weighing whether to revoke the immigration status of approximately 240,000 Ukrainians in the United States who entered the country on a humanitarian parole program, Uniting for Ukraine.
The parole program has provided life-saving protection for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Data from Catholic Charities Maine shows there are nearly 120 Ukrainians in Maine who entered on the parole program.
PLEASE NOTE: There are no official announcements yet, just media reporting. Parole is different from Temporary Protected Status (TPS), another temporary legal protection that is currently in place for Ukrainians already in the U.S.
Trump administration announces “registration” requirements will be in effect starting April 11, 2025
The administration has issued more information about its registration process, a tool it will undoubtedly use for mass immigration enforcement.
Noncitizens over age 14 in the U.S. will be required to register with the government (if they are not already considered to be registered). Unless halted by the courts or other action, registration requirements will go in effect starting April 11, 2025.
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. The criminal consequences the administration has put forth for not complying with the registration requirements include 6 months imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine.
Administration’s revocation of Haiti Temporary Protected Status (TPS) challenged in new lawsuit
The Trump administration’s revocation of Haiti Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Venezuela TPS was challenged in a new lawsuit this week, filed by organizations in the Boston area. There are already multiple lawsuits challenging the Venezuela TPS termination.
The revocation of TPS for Haiti impacts approximately 500,000 people. TPS is a critical humanitarian protection, safeguarding people already in the U.S. when country conditions make safe return home impossible.
PLEASE NOTE: While lawsuits have been filed challenging the Trump administration’s TPS decisions around Haiti and Venezuela, there have been no decisions from the courts at this time.
For previous updates from ILAP, check out the links below:
March 2, 2025: Community Update
February 28, 2025: February Golden Door
February 14, 2025: Community Update
Know Your Rights
An important step you can take now to protect yourself is to learn your rights! See ILAP’s resources here.
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Members of the Maine Bar can support ILAP’s work by donating to the Campaign for Justice, a special collaborative fundraising effort by Maine’s legal community to support legal aid.
