ILAP Community Update: August 8
August 8, 2025
A Message of Solidarity from ILAP to Maine’s Immigrant Communities on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
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We know that over the past few months, the ground has shifted tremendously for Maine’s immigrant communities. With the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — which includes devastating and sweeping changes to our immigration laws and adds $170 billion dollars for immigration enforcement, detention, and deportation — much more uncertainty lies ahead.
But at the same time, as the Trump administration has advanced its hateful, racist policies, we have also seen people across Maine rise up in support of immigrant communities. At ILAP, we have the privilege of receiving a lot of these messages and want you to know that even if you don’t see it every day, your neighbors from every corner of this state are in solidarity with you.
The Trump administration will continue to try to spread fear, divide us, intimidate us, and silence us. No matter what comes next, our care for and commitment to you is unwavering. You are not forgotten, and you are not alone. Maine is your home, and Maine is home for all.
We know that so many of you in Maine’s immigrant communities have faced cruel and inhumane governments before and have overcome the odds through your brilliance, resourcefulness, determination, and dreams for a better life. We see and honor your strength, resilience, and power. We hear your calls for justice. We stand with you, shoulder-to-shoulder.
In solidarity,
The ILAP Team
Resources on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
National Immigrant Justice Center: Explainer: Trump and Congress’ Punishing New Immigration Fees
American Immigration Council: What’s in the Big Beautiful Bill? Immigration and Border Security Unpacked
Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project: How Are Laws Changing for Asylum Seekers?
Action Alert: Join the Maine Home for All Campaign!
ILAP believes that everyone deserves to feel safe, be with family, and build the life they want here in Maine. In the face of unrelenting attacks on immigrants and so many other communities, we say clearly and with conviction: Maine is a home for ALL.
Here are some ways you can help spread the message:
Wear our merch: You can find “Home for All” t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, apparel for kids, yard flags, and more in our new merch store.
Display a sign at home or work: Download and print a poster, color one in, or make your own with the phrase “Maine, Home For All.”
Advocate for immigrant justice: Let your elected officials know you are committed to making Maine a home for all.
Join ILAP's Team: Outreach Attorney
ILAP is seeking a full-time attorney whose primary role is to coordinate and provide legal outreach and information to immigrant communities and other community stakeholders. The attorney will also maintain a small caseload representing clients in their immigration matters. This position requires travel within Maine and occasional evening and weekend hours for outreach events.
ILAP’s base salary for this position ranges from $72,100 - $86,520. Placement on our salary scale is based on multiple factors including job classification, years of relevant experience, and lived immigrant experience.
Review of applications will begin on September 4, 2025 and ILAP will continue accepting applications until the position is filled. Please help us spread the word!
You can find contact information for your elected officials and more advocacy resources on ILAP's Take Action Resources page. Your voice matters - thank you for stepping up to make a difference.
Know Your Rights
ILAP's Know Your Rights page has 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
Request Legal Help from ILAP:
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Upcoming Portland Walk-In Hours:
Thursday August 28 at 10:00AM at ILAP’s Portland office at 489 Congress Street 3rd Floor, Portland, ME 04101
Thursday September 25 at 10:00AM at ILAP’s Portland office at 489 Congress Street 3rd Floor, Portland, ME 04101
Upcoming Lewiston Walk-In Hours:
Thursday August 21 at 12:30PM at Lewiston Adult Education at 145 Birch Street, Lewiston, ME 04240 (Left side of Building)
Thursday September 18 at 12:30PM at Lewiston Adult Education at 145 Birch Street, Lewiston, ME 04240 (Left side of Building)
For previous updates from ILAP, check out the links below:
June 13, 2025: June Community Update
May 30, 2025: May Golden Door
May 12, 2025: Community Update
Stay Connected:
Follow ILAP @ilapmaine on social media for the latest updates:
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.