Asylum seekers

MaineHousing has been leasing a hotel in Saco as a resettlement hub for asylum seekers, but likely won't continue the program amid budget constraints and fewer new arrivals.

A housing forum in Portland this week examined the challenges and opportunities for immigrants beyond Maine's largest cities.

The money comes from a federal program aimed at helping cities and groups across the country supporting large numbers of immigrants.

Legal aid groups say the fraud is a longstanding issue, as confusion around the immigration legal system creates opportunities for exploitation.

The restrictions would be triggered when unauthorized crossings reach or exceed an average of 2,500 per day in a seven day period.

Shonda Okonda denies the allegation that he misrepresented himself as a legal expert.

Around 250 asylum seekers, mostly from Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Haiti, have arrived in the city over the last year.

The state revoked the lodging license for all but five of the motel's 128 rooms, finding they were being used for long-term stays. A follow-up inspection by the city found code violations including a cockroach infestation and improperly registered rooms.

While some new immigrants are able to get on their feet fairly quickly, others can face headwinds based on language barriers and access to training opportunities.

Part of the money will help support asylum seekers, which is likely to encounter opposition from Republican lawmakers.