As a volunteer teaching English to Africans granted asylum, I am appalled at the possibility of Gov. LePage cutting off their financial aid.
These remarkable men and women from Africa have been granted asylum and paid their airfare to the U.S., often leaving their families behind. They were led to believe they would receive a very small stipend to barely cover the costs of living.
Upon arrival they find an apartment that has no furniture, blankets, pots and pans, dishes, etc. They count on churches primarily to help them. They have no other source of income.
The men and women I know are conscientious, polite, intelligent, motivated and responsible. They would be an asset to any community. To cut off their aid would put them in shelters (already crowded) or on the streets.
If Maine cannot support asylum seekers in the future, then it should make that decision. But it is most unfair to leave the ones already here without shelter or food.
Sandra Scully
Cumberland Foreside
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