This month, ILAP celebrated the selection of Jennifer Bailey, Esq. as the recipient of the 2021 Thomas P. Downing, Jr. Award from the Maine Justice Foundation. The Award was established in Downing’s memory in 1985 to recognize legal aid staff for their dedication to access to civil justice for vulnerable Mainers.
Read MoreWe’re looking ahead to 2021 with hope and determination, while acknowledging the ongoing difficulties we all face as the pandemic continues to devastate communities across the state. Our plans include some bold new initiatives, deliberate internal changes, and the strengthening of our core immigration legal services for thousands of Mainers every year.
Read MoreILAP grieves and is outraged by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and the many other Black people in this country who have been killed by anti-Black violence. We stand with Black leaders in Maine and nationally to demand policies that dismantle white supremacy.
Read MoreILAP demands justice and is committed to standing with and following the lead of Maine’s Black leaders and community members, now and in the future. We say loud and clear, “Black lives matter.” Join us.
Read MoreIn 2019, ILAP completed a statewide scan to better understand the legal needs of different rural immigrant communities and to develop a clear plan for meeting more of these needs. The priorities that emerged, which incorporated the feedback of community members and partner organizations in all sixteen of Maine’s counties, are detailed in this write-up.
Read MoreSince June, an outpouring of community support has made it possible for ILAP to implement a rapid response to meet the urgent legal needs of asylum seekers from the southern border, including the 400+ individuals who were temporarily housed at the Portland Expo Center and other local shelters this summer. We're proud to share this update on the work you've made possible. Thank you.
Read MoreIn the last week, Portland has welcomed dozens of families from Central Africa who are fleeing persecution and seeking safety in Maine. It is heartwarming to see the City and people of Portland coming together to assist these newly arrived families. We recognize that they bring opportunity to our state, and that we have a humanitarian duty to provide any and all support that we can to those seeking safety and protection.
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