Immigration

Michael Murray, founder of a boutique law firm in Portland, will lead the new practice at one of Maine's largest law firms, joined by associate Olivia Shaw and three paralegals.

Seafood production facilities “absolutely depend on workers from immigrant communities” to get seafood to the markets, said one employer.

The construction industry in greater Portland employs 846 foreign-born workers, around 4% of the overall workforce, a small percentage relative to the U.S. number.

The Portland nonprofit, which provides asylum seekers temporary housing and transitional services, has begun a $2.6 million renovation of its historic building at 14 Sherman St. 

The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, located at 24 Preble St., said it will close at the end of June while continuing some programming over the summer.

Gov. Janet Mills appointed Tarlan Ahmadov as the first director of Maine’s newly formed Office of New Americans. 

Maine has nearly two jobs open for every job seeker. A backlog in federal work permit processing puts immigrants and asylum seekers at risk of losing their ability to work.

The Cumberland County Digital Equity Stipend Program is helping organizations to launch programs that increase digital literacy, provide access to computers and teach people how to stay safe online.

The grants could provide a funding spark for immigrant-owned startups and small businesses in the city.

Asylum seekers face the challenges of food insecurity, housing instability and lack of transportation.