Paul LePage has given up on our asylum seeking neighbors -- but we can't. We have a second chance.
The Portland City Budget must preserve General Assistance funding for asylum seekers.
Why is this important?
Last year, Governor LePage singled out asylum seekers when he unilaterally denied General Assistance (GA) from legal, non-citizens.
Why? Well, he called them “able-bodied.” And, he’s right. Legal, non-citizens and asylum seekers are as eager as anyone else to work and start their lives as New Mainers.
But because asylum seekers are prohibited by federal law from working for the first six months they’re in the United States, they need help from programs like GA to help meet their basic needs like food, rent, and clothing.
GA is a voucher program--meaning no cash is distributed. It’s a program run by municipalities but funded mostly with state dollars. Recently, a Maine court ruled that the state was legally allowed to withhold state funding.
Where does that leave Maine’s newest residents? Right here in Portland, it means there are hundreds of people who will be without housing and food.
Paul LePage has given up on our asylum seeking neighbors -- but we can't.
We have a second chance.
This Wednesday, Portland’s City Council will have an opportunity to fully fund GA for asylum seekers in the city budget.
