ILAP Statement on Mills Administration’s Executive Order to Establish Maine’s First Office for New Americans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2023  
CONTACT: press@ilapmaine.org

Governor Janet Mills issued an Executive Order on August 2 directing the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to develop a plan to establish Maine’s first Office for New Americans.

Sue Roche, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project’s Executive Director said: “ILAP welcomes and applauds the Mills administration’s leadership and plans to establish the first Office for New Americans in Maine. This type of permanent infrastructure is critically needed to help immigrants in Maine put down roots and thrive. Our state is in need of the growth, experience, and knowledge that immigrants bring and this investment will be a tremendous benefit to our larger Maine community.

ILAP is pleased to see that engagement with Maine’s immigrant communities to develop the plan is a clear directive in the order. Immigrant leadership will be critical in the future office’s effectiveness and success. With this announcement, all Maine people – whether they have lived here for generations or are newly calling Maine home – are walking towards a brighter, stronger, and more prosperous future together.”

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