Immigrants are essential to Maine's future, leaders in our communities, and important contributors to a strong economy. It’s both a moral and economic imperative that we make good on our nation’s promise of fair treatment and invest in our shared future.
But many immigrants don’t have equal access to anti-poverty programs that are available to other Maine residents. Our laws and systems discriminate by denying some immigrants equal access to public assistance, simply because they were not born here. All Maine people should have the opportunity to get ahead and succeed here, and be treated with dignity and compassion, regardless of how long they have lived in Maine.
Welcoming immigrants is essential if we want to grow our population and bolster our workforce. Looking beyond Maine’s borders to attract people from other states and countries bring fresh knowledge, energy, and perspectives that revitalize our economy. More than two thirds of immigrants who arrived in Maine between 2010–2013 had some college-level training (up to and including a master’s degree), and their median age was 27. Nationwide, immigrants start businesses at a rate twice as high as other Americans.
Maine Equal Justice partners with immigrant-led organizations, immigrant community members, and allies to advocate for equal access to anti-poverty programs through policy change.
Maine Equal Justice focuses its work on many of the issues that affect people’s daily lives – access to adequate health care, housing, transportation and childcare; food and income security; and higher education and training. Maine Equal Justice is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 04-3346273. 