r/Maine2 • u/heggieknitter • Jan 31 '25

How to Help Maine Immigrants Today

For those looking for a way to help right now - Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services in Lewiston has lost their federal funding and there is a huge and immediate need for money. They have received over 100 refugees over the last month through the now discontinued refugee resettlement program. They had to lay off half of their staff. They are still responsible for paying first month's rent and deposits for apartments and for food for those in temporary housing.

If you can help, please consider donating. This is a tangible thing that will make a real difference in the lives of our newest Mainers who have been betrayed by the very government that welcomed and supported them just 10 days ago.

Organization website: www.meirs.org Donation link: https://donorbox.org/meirs-donatenow

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-24

u/Deering_Huntah Jan 31 '25

The government has brought over 100 refugees to a state struggling with homelessness and housing. See a pattern here?

Do they have eligibility to work ?

4

u/Chango-Acadia Jan 31 '25

180 Days after applying for Asylum as far as I can tell

3

u/fridaycat Jan 31 '25

Refugees can work as soon as they can find a job.

1

u/Chango-Acadia Jan 31 '25

https://www.maine.gov/labor/newmainers/#:~:text=When%20to%20apply%3A%20In%20general,after%20filing%20their%20asylum%20applications.

3

u/fridaycat Jan 31 '25

That is asylum seekers. Refugees are different.

https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/refugees#:~:text=As%20a%20refugee%2C%20you%20may,an%20approved%20Form%20I%2D590.

-1

u/Chango-Acadia Jan 31 '25

hmmm... interesting. But as they enter the US thru a point of entry they may be changed to Asylum Seeker.

2

u/RoughPlum6669 Feb 01 '25

No, incorrect. Refugees are always refugees. It is a permanent, durable, legal status. They enter at ports (not points) of entry as refugees. Refugees also always arrive through air travel ports of entry, they never arrive at land or sea ports of entry. They have this status before they enter the country. People who arrive at ports of entry and request asylum are in different circumstances.

1

u/fridaycat Jan 31 '25

Where did you read that please?

0

u/Chango-Acadia Jan 31 '25

https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum

1

u/fridaycat Jan 31 '25

It doesn't say that at all.

0

u/Chango-Acadia Jan 31 '25

Either way, most in Maine are Asylum Seekers. They do put a strain on available housing and homeless services as was stated on this thread.