What is happening with the almost 300 asylum seekers who arrived in Portland in June? We will learn about their backgrounds, what is being done to accommodate them and facilitate the work-permitting process, and how people can help.
Guests
Mufalo Chitam, executive director, Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition
Claude Rwaganje, executive director, ProsperityME: The Center for Financial Education
Philip Mantis (by phone), legal director, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
Dan Coyne, (by phone), senior VP of community impact, United Way of Greater Portland
Chellie Pingree (taped), U.S. representative, Maine's 2nd Congressional District, on her efforts on behalf of asylum seekers
Resources
- African Migrants Are Becoming A New Face Of The U.S. Border Crisis
- Amnesty International: What's the difference between a refugee and an asylum seeker?
- Greater Portland Council of Governments
- Surge of Asylum Seekers In Portland Raises Concerns About Funding And Services
- Asylum Seekers Arrive At Portland Emergency Shelter, With More Expected Soon
- Mills Says Portland Won't Be Alone In Responding To Influx Of Asylum Seekers
- Democratic Lawmakers Give Early Approval To Bill That Would Allow Non-Citizens Some Welfare Benefits
- Portland Officials Still Waiting To Hear Back From State About Aid For Asylum Seekers
- Asylum Seekers Express Gratitude For Maine's Help As They Await More Permanent Housing
- Asylum Seekers Welcomed At Independence Day Picnic In Cape Elizabeth