PORTLAND, Maine - An analysis by the city of Portland shows that as many as one-third of the city's 900 immigrants may be ineligible for city aid because they have expired visas and have not applied for asylum.
The Portland Press Herald reportscity officials are trying to determine who qualifies as an asylum seeker under the city's revised aid program.
The immigrants remain eligible to apply for asylum for a year after their arrival and may be in the process of applying. But they lack legal protection from deportation and may not qualify for aid.
City workers are examining the cases and will report back at City Council's July 20 meeting.
City Manager Michael Sauschuck tells the paper he thinks the initial estimate is too high and would ultimately come down.