Statement from the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) on SCOTUS Decision on Asylum

Maine – On June 25, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that will allow immigration officials to refuse entry to people seeking asylum at the border and prevent them from having the opportunity to apply for asylum protections that they qualify for under our laws. Asylum metering and turnback policies, forcing people to wait in Mexico or find more dangerous routes to enter the United States, are well documented to put already-extremely vulnerable people at more risk.

ILAP’s Executive Director, Sue Roche, issued the following statement…

Press Release, ILAP News, Advocacy in ActionVonnie TullJune 25, 2026Asylum

Don Campbell Trio to raise money for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project and Oasis Free Clinics.

UUCB Concerts for a Cause presents Maine's popular and award-winning Don Campbell Trio to raise money for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project and Oasis Free Clinics.

Press MentionsGuest UserSeptember 11, 2025Asylum, Benefits, Civil Rights, Legal Resources, Legal Representation

Yes, asylum seekers wanting to work in Maine are hindered by a federal law

Executive Director Sue Roche talks about the impact of a federal law restricting asylum seekers’ ability to work for six or more months after arriving in the U.S. and the resilience of asylum seekers in Maine.

Press MentionsGuest UserAugust 24, 2025Asylum, Work Permit

ILAP Condemns Reconciliation Bill, a Failure of Both Morality and Public Policy

ILAP unequivocally condemns the passage of the reconciliation budget bill. The bill contains cruel, sweeping changes to the humanitarian immigration system and approximately $170 billion dollars for mass deportation and enforcement policies, paid for by slashing social safety net programs for low-income people across the country.

Press Release, Advocacy in Action, ILAP NewsGuest UserJuly 11, 2025Budget, Asylum, Enforcement, ICE

Stonington resident Geoff Warner organizes a benefit concert to support ILAP and another organization. Thank you, Geoff!

A benefit concert called “Peace Love and Understanding Through Song and Action” has been organized by Stonington resident Geoff Warner for Saturday, June 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Blue Hill, 22 Tenney Hill Road. According to Warner, the title is inspired by Nick Lowe’s song What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace Love and Understanding.

Executive Director Sue Roche shares about the toll and impact of the Trump administration's onslaught of anti-immigrant policies and actions.

It’s been nearly six months since President Donald Trump took office, and among the whirlwind of new policies and executive orders was a series of new stances on immigration that to date have created a culture of fear among immigrants in Maine, according to the people who work with them.

Press MentionsGuest UserMay 30, 2025Asylum, Impact Litigation, USCIS, Community Partners

Maine police ICE training pushback

Maine residents and immigrant rights organizations express opposition to the new Wells Police Department’s contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Press MentionsGuest UserApril 23, 2025Asylum, ICE, Enforcement, Advocacy, Detention

Advocates demand due process as deportations raise legal concerns

Executive Director Sue Roche speaks about the Trump administration's blatant disregard for the law and due process, including in the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia.

Press MentionsGuest UserApril 20, 2025Asylum, Advocacy, Detention, Due Process, Deportation

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