Posts tagged Advocacy
The Golden Door: January 2026

ILAP remains devastated at the news of the killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. Our hearts are with Alex’s loved ones and the city of Minneapolis. We condemn the federal government’s brutal occupation of Minneapolis and send unwavering solidarity to the city’s immigrant communities and allies. 

Read More
The Golden Door: December 2025

In a December 15 op-ed in the Portland Press Herald, Governor Mills made the major announcement that she will let LD 1971 become law. ILAP applauds the decision, and the work and leadership of Representatives Dhalac and Rana, and so many others across the state.

Read More
ILAP Applauds Rockland Residents and City Council for Passing Ordinance to Ensure City Resources Are Not Used for Federal Administration's Mass Deportation Agenda

Rockland, ME – The City of Rockland passed an ordinance and order on December 8 ensuring that the Rockland Police Department and other city resources are not used to assist the federal administration with its mass deportation agenda. ILAP applauds and congratulates the Rockland residents and City Council members who worked for months to put this protection in place for their community.

Lisa Parisio, ILAP’s Policy Director, issued the following statement…

Read More
ILAP Applauds Representative Pingree for Conducting Crucial Oversight of ICE Facility in Scarborough

Scarborough, ME – On December 8, U.S. Representative Pingree exercised her Congressional rights and responsibilities to conduct oversight at the ICE facility in Scarborough, in response to reports of Maine residents being denied access to counsel there, and other concerning issues. A copy of Representative Pingree’s letter requesting this oversight visit can be found here.

ILAP Co-Legal Director Melissa Brennan joined Representative Pingree at a press conference following the oversight visit, and shared these remarks…

Read More
The Golden Door: November 2025

Here in Maine, the idea that asylum seekers should be able to work while waiting for a decision on their applications has bipartisan support at both the state and federal levels. This policy helps individuals and families find stability and security, while providing vast benefits to communities, businesses, and the U.S. economy at large.

Read More
ILAP Public Comment: End of Work Permit Automatic Extensions

The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, (ILAP), respectfully submits the following comments regarding the USCIS Interim Final Rule (IFR), Removal of the Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documents, DHS Docket No. USCIS-2025-0271. ILAP recommends this IFR – which has no legitimate underlying public policy rationale – be immediately withdrawn in its entirety and the previous final rule granting 540-day automatic extensions of certain work permits be restored.

Read More