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.

The Golden Door, ILAP NewsContact@ ILAP MaineJanuary 30, 2026Maine Legislature, Civil Legal Aid, Enforcement, ICE, Advocacy, Youth, SIJS, Testimony, Supreme Court, TPS, Budget, Work Permit, Event, Habeas Corpus, Labor Rights, Deportation, LGBTQ+, Hiring

For Maine Businesses, New Work Permit Rules Create Uncertainty

PORTLAND, ME — Today, the Maine Chamber of Commerce, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) of Maine, WorkPermits.US and Luke’s Lobster spoke out about recent and upcoming federal changes to work authorization that could harm Maine’s workforce and economy…

Press Release, ILAP NewsGuest UserJanuary 12, 2026Work Permit, Economy, Employment

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.

The Golden Door, ILAP NewsContact@ ILAP MaineDecember 31, 2025Maine Legislature, Civil Legal Aid, Enforcement, ICE, Advocacy, Youth, SIJS, Testimony, Supreme Court, TPS, Budget, Work Permit, Event, Habeas Corpus, Labor Rights, Deportation, LGBTQ+, Hiring

The Golden Door: October 2025

Here is an update on recent state and federal activities impacting the lives of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Maine.

The Golden Door, ILAP NewsContact@ ILAP MaineOctober 31, 2025Maine Legislature, Civil Legal Aid, Enforcement, ICE, Advocacy, Youth, SIJS, Testimony, Supreme Court, TPS, Budget, Work Permit, Event, Habeas Corpus, Labor Rights, Deportation, LGBTQ+, Hiring

The Golden Door: September 2025

Here is an update on recent state and federal activities impacting the lives of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Maine.

The Golden Door, ILAP NewsContact@ ILAP MaineOctober 1, 2025Maine Legislature, Civil Legal Aid, Enforcement, ICE, Advocacy, Youth, SIJS, Testimony, Supreme Court, TPS, Budget, Work Permit, Event, Habeas Corpus, Labor Rights, Deportation, LGBTQ+, Hiring

The Golden Door: August 2025

Here is an update on recent state and federal activities impacting the lives of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Maine.

The Golden Door, ILAP NewsContact@ ILAP MaineAugust 31, 2025Maine Legislature, Civil Legal Aid, Enforcement, ICE, Advocacy, Youth, SIJS, Testimony, Supreme Court, TPS, Budget, Work Permit, Event, Habeas Corpus, Labor Rights, Deportation, LGBTQ+, Hiring

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

The Golden Door: June 2025

Here is an update on recent state and federal activities impacting the lives of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Maine.

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