Asylum seekers

Aid groups and municipal agencies have been warning of the potential for mass evictions when a federal rental assistance program expires at the end of December.

Hundreds of asylum-seeking families currently rely on the federal Emergency Rental Assistance program, which is set to expire at the end of the month. Aid groups say that asylum-seekers are at a particular disadvantage because, under U.S. immigration law, they are not allowed to work in the U.S. until six months after they file their asylum case.

City officials called on the state to coordinate asylum seeker resettlement efforts across municipalities.

The nonprofit developer received more than 1000 applications for the new units.

Former Republican Gov. Paul LePage has attempted to soften his stance toward immigrants. But his statements have been inconsistent and sometimes contradictory as he balances the desires of his base of supporters with those who view asylum seekers as vital to the state economy.

The Council aims to raise $1.5 million to support construction projects.

The event highlighted the stories and cultural contributions of Maine's immigrant communities.

Gov. Janet Mills said her administration is continuing to work with Portland-area officials to help house an influx of asylum seekers to Maine. But the governor is also calling for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level.

The properties will be a mix of new construction and existing properties.

The city is currently providing emergency shelter to about 1,200 asylum seekers