By Julia Brown
Facebook live workshops return
We are excited to announce that ILAP’s online workshop series is back with a new topic. Join us Thursday afternoons to learn how criminal charges can impact immigration status.
ILAP attorney Felix Hagenimana will be joined by local interpreters for a presentation on the workshop topic and to answer questions. Visit our website at ilapmaine.org/uaw for the schedule and access past workshops at facebook.com/ILAPMaine/videos.
Haitian temporary protected status
Great news! The government has extended and redesignated Haiti for temporary protected status (TPS) through February 3, 2023. TPS gives people from Haiti, who are in the United States, temporary protection from deportation, legal status, and an employment authorization card (work permit). TPS is temporary, which means it is good only for one or two years. After that time, the U.S. government can extend TPS or choose to end it.
People from Haiti who currently have TPS should newly apply based on this announcement. The redesignation of TPS for Haiti allows Haitian nationals who have been continuously residing in the United States since July 29, 2021, to file initial applications to obtain TPS, if they are otherwise eligible.
Check ILAP’s Facebook page for a Haitian TPS advisory www.facebook.com/ILAPMaine
Big win in US Senate
In August, the United States Senate passed a budget resolution that included a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, and essential workers. This recent development means that we are one step closer to new legislation creating a pathway to citizenship.
Call Maine’s congressional delegation and tell them they must get this done through reconciliation.
Sen. Susan Collins: (202) 224-2523
Sen. Angus King: (202) 224-5344
Rep. Chellie Pingree: (202) 225-6116
Rep. Jared Golden: (202) 225-6306
Julia Brown is ILAP’s Advocacy and Outreach Director. She works to improve laws and policies impacting Maine’s immigrant communities and coordinates communications and outreach on immigration laws and legal rights. The Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) is Maine’s only statewide immigration legal services organization. Check out our website for more information: www.ilapmaine.org
