The country continues to reel from the shocking impact of the recent presidential election, and many minority communities are experiencing a heightened sense of insecurity as a result of the discriminatory policies being proposed by the incoming administration.

The threat of mass deportation weighs heavily on the minds of many immigrants throughout the country. And in Maine, unsettling statements from the governor regarding his plans to end the state’s role in the federal refugee resettlement program only serve to heighten anxiety.

The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, a nonprofit organization that helps low-income immigrants gain legal status and citizenship, wishes to reassure Maine’s immigrant community that you are welcome in this country and in Maine.

We know your stories of sacrifice and hardship, separation from family, and the physical dangers you fled to start a new life and find safety for yourself and your children.

We cherish the cultural, political and intellectual diversity you represent as you open this state’s eyes to a view of the world beyond our borders.

We recognize the important role you play in the economy of Maine, where companies struggle to find employees as the population ages out of the workforce.

We agree with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who, when speaking of immigrants, said, “These are brave, resilient and forward-looking people. They bring needed skills and energy to their new societies.”

We want to reassure you that immigration laws cannot be changed overnight. We will advocate to the best of our ability to prevent the implementation of anti-immigrant legislation that would jeopardize you and your families.

In the meantime, we are preparing to help those who might be at the risk of deportation. Now more than ever, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project is committed to helping you and your families obtain the security and stability you so bravely seek.

Lisa Scali

board of directors, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project

Portland

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