The growing number of asylum-seekers in Maine has spurred cities and towns to join forces and build more transitional housing for families in need. The Safe in Maine coalition aims to raise $2 million of the $43 million it hopes to receive in state and federal funding for some 200 modular housing units. Belinda Ray, director of strategic partnerships for the Greater Portland Council of Governments, said the temporary homes would help the approximately 1,000 people currently residing in emergency shelters and hotels throughout the region. .
People rallied outside of Bellingham City Hall on Thursday to show support for a city-funded immigrant resource center. It s a response to a City Council vote of 4-3 earlier this week against including the center in the city s budget for the next two years. Council members did vote in favor of hiring a facilitator to collect more data and create plans for a center in the future. .
"They're going to ensure that all drivers, regardless of immigration status, can take the same road test, meet the same identification requirements, and follow the same rules of the road."
On the heels of the midterm election, and passage of Question 4, which upheld a law allowing immigrants without legal status in the U.S. to receive driver s licenses, immigrant-rights activists are celebrating another win as the state increases translation services for non-English speakers in the Commonwealth. Governor Charlie Baker recently signed the $3.7-billion Economic Development Bill, which includes $20-million for the needs of immigrants and refugees. .