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Poll results

A bill now before the Legislature would create a state office that helps immigrants become part of Maine's economic and social fabric.

The Office of New Americans would be charged with “making Maine a home of opportunity for all, by welcoming and supporting immigrants to strengthen Maine’s workforce, enhance the vibrancy of Maine’s communities, and build a strong and inclusive economy," Gov. Janet Mills has said.

Among the goals: expanding English-language learning, building workforce pathways and entrepreneurial support for immigrants, and influencing federal immigration policies to benefit Maine. Some resources already exist, including help via the Maine Department of Labor, but the new office would centralize and expand what's available.

Driving the proposal are stark demographics. Maine, whose residents are the oldest in the U.S., desperately needs to add people to its workforce.

Experts say Maine needs all the new workers it can get — from elsewhere in the U.S., but also from outside it. As many as 75,000 new workers are needed by 2030.

However, some Mainers see the invitation of more immigrants to the state as an economic threat. Instead of creating an Office of New Americans, critics say, Maine should be focusing on the needs of current ones.

Should Maine create an Office of New Americans, to assist immigrants in becoming part of the economy and the community?
Yes (55%, 174 VOTES)
Undecided (9%, 28 VOTES)
No (36%, 116 VOTES)
Poll Description

A bill now before the Legislature would create a state office that helps immigrants become part of Maine's economic and social fabric.

The Office of New Americans would be charged with “making Maine a home of opportunity for all, by welcoming and supporting immigrants to strengthen Maine’s workforce, enhance the vibrancy of Maine’s communities, and build a strong and inclusive economy," Gov. Janet Mills has said.

Among the goals: expanding English-language learning, building workforce pathways and entrepreneurial support for immigrants, and influencing federal immigration policies to benefit Maine. Some resources already exist, including help via the Maine Department of Labor, but the new office would centralize and expand what's available.

Driving the proposal are stark demographics. Maine, whose residents are the oldest in the U.S., desperately needs to add people to its workforce.

Experts say Maine needs all the new workers it can get — from elsewhere in the U.S., but also from outside it. As many as 75,000 new workers are needed by 2030.

However, some Mainers see the invitation of more immigrants to the state as an economic threat. Instead of creating an Office of New Americans, critics say, Maine should be focusing on the needs of current ones.

  • 318 Votes
  • 8 Comments
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8 Comments

  • Steve Blais
    February 16, 2024

    Helping LEGAL immigrants is a good idea for Maine.

  • February 14, 2024

    There are already private non-profits who tackle this issue. Getting the government out of the middle will help evaluating the ongoing value of the support being proposed. Government already takes on too many projects - it barely could handle another. Yes - failure is addictive.

  • Janet Wilson
    February 14, 2024

    I agree with previous comments which make a distinction between those here legally and those here illegally. Yes, legal immigrants should receive help as they adjust.

  • Martin Grohman Grohman
    February 14, 2024

    I support this bill but be sure to read it. All it actually does is add another staff member to the GOPIF office. While that person can no doubt play some kind of coordination role, it doesn't actually do anything to relieve the pressure on municipal GA offices.

  • Martha Stein
    February 12, 2024

    My organization, Hope Acts, assisted over 1,000 asylum seekers in obtaining work permits last year. I do this work because I care about people, but the bottom line is that Maine desperately needs workers. This is a smart investment for our state.