An influx of asylum seekers has been coming to Maine in recent years, most from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola. Hundreds of families have arrived just in the last two months. We’ll talk about why these asylum seekers are making their way to Maine, how they are re-settling, the challenges they face—and what help is needed. This show is tied to Maine Public’s Feb 17 airing of the documentary I Come From Away: An Immigrant in Maine.
Panelists:
Jennifer Bailey, asylum program director, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
Mufalo Chitam, executive director, Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition
VIP Callers:
Chellie Pingree, U.S. Representative, Maine’s 1st Congressional District
Grace Vanuza Rogers, interpreter, cultural broker, Angolan community
Emilia Franco, vice president, cultural broker, Angolan community
Charles Mugabe, director of case management, Catholic Charities Maine
