Systemic Advocacy
ILAP leads important advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels to improve laws and policies that affect all immigrants in Maine and prevent the passage of those that would have a negative impact. In this work, we partner closely with local and national organizations and coalitions.
We also serve as a source of accurate information for the media and the public, and work with elected officials and other decision makers to understand the implications of different immigration-related laws and policies.
Advocacy Priorities
We fight for a world where equity, access to resources and justice, and human rights and dignity are prioritized at every step of a person’s immigration journey. Our theory of change is rooted in following the lead of people with lived experiences in the U.S. immigration system, building power in community-based coalitions, and directly engaging with all levels of government, from local to federal.
PAST Advocacy Wins
ILAP’s advocacy efforts have been instrumental to achieving many law and policy changes in Maine over the years, including:
Passage of a state law to fix the discrepancy between Maine and federal law regarding the age of someone applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a life changing legal status for immigrant children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.
Support for the establishment of the crimes of criminal forced labor and aggravated criminal forced labor and passage of a state statute creating criminal penalties for traffickers and civil remedies for survivors of labor trafficking, including immigrants.
Revision of the policies and procedures of various state and local agencies to ensure immigrants are not subjected to racial profiling and unnecessary questions about immigration status, or erroneously denied driver’s licenses and other benefits.