Immigration Law & Policy: Impact in Maine and Beyond

On October 8, ILAP hosted an “Immigration Law and Policy in 2024: Impact in Maine and Beyond” panel event at First Parish in Portland. It was a beautiful fall day, and it was wonderful to connect with ILAP supporters and partners in Maine’s immigrant justice movement in-person and online!

More than 130 supporters joined us to learn from ILAP’s expert staff about current immigration policies, pressing immigration legal needs, and how ILAP is responding.

“As we all know, in recent years immigration has increasingly dominated the news here in the U.S. and abroad. Unfortunately, we see a lot of false information, layered with racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric,” said Executive Director Sue Roche. “What we don’t often see is the human side of immigration, and it is hard to seek out accurate and clear information on this complex area of law.”

ILAP panelists Alice Kopij, Maggie Loeffelholz, Lisa Parisio, and Lourdes Trujillo framed the discussion around what it might be like for hypothetical clients, 19-year-old “Marcos” and his mother “Gladys,” to navigate the U.S. immigration system. They first discussed how Marcos and Gladys might apply for asylum, explore special protections for children, or navigate the system without the help of an immigration lawyer, as well as the systemic or policy challenges they may face. Panelists then shared how ILAP helps families like Marcos and Gladys across Maine.

Moderator and ILAP’s new Board President Tom Douglas closed the event with a call to action: “Stay informed and talk to your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues about what you learned during the panel.”

Delene Perley was among those in the audience and said, “People spoke with expression, gave good information, and I learned a lot.” Another attendee shared gratitude saying, “Thank you for your tireless work, approached with hope. May the joyful moments outnumber the sorrowful.”

ILAP was honored to come together with community members who share our commitment to creating an immigration system that is fair and just so everyone can build their lives here in Maine. The journey toward justice continues and achieving justice for immigrants will take all of us.