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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

  • Drew Cheney
    February 12, 2024

    Sounds great for legal immigrants but not for illegal ones.

  • February 12, 2024

    We should not be increasing government spending to help people that are in the country illegally. If people want to follow our immigration laws, then by all means, let them in. But to welcome millions of people into our country that have not been vetted and that will be taking government handouts, is abhorrent to me. We have veterans, homeless, elderly and poor children that the money could be spent on, but we give more to people breaking our laws. How does this make sense. We are no longer a sovereign nation if we do not have borders. Send them home and let them come here the correct way and in accordance with our laws.

  • February 12, 2024

    Yes, for those who are legally here, including legitimate asylum seekers.