Families across Maine are reporting heightened immigration enforcement. Everyone living in the United States has constitutional rights, and it's essential that individuals in our communities understand those rights and know what resources are available to support them
Our Commitment to You
To the children, families, partner organizations, and communities we aim to serve:
During this time of uncertainty and heightened anxiety, especially for our immigrant families, Maine Children’s Alliance (MCA) is here. No matter what evolves in this political climate, we remain committed to our values as an organization. This means advocating for all children in Maine to be safe, healthy, nurtured by family and community, and have the opportunity to learn and grow to reach their full potential.
For anyone who may be affected by recent executive orders, below you will find key information to help you understand your rights, develop a safety plan for your loved ones, and know what resources are available to you. MCA will remain a strong advocate for all children and families, fighting for sound public policies and best practices that improve the lives of families. Our priority remains to protect all the children of Maine.
Questions You May Have
Is there anyone I can talk to who can help me get information about my rights?
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) provides a full range of immigration legal services, available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Lingala, and Haitian Creole: (207) 780-1593 . This includes full representation for the most complex cases, assistance navigating complicated immigration applications and forms, and consultations and limited representation for other issues.
How can I develop a family safety plan?
Here are 5 Things You Can Proactively Do to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones , developed by the Immigration Justice Center. The Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) also offers this step-by-step family preparedness plan .
If I am not a U.S. citizen, what are my rights?
Regardless of your immigration status, you have rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. Watch these videos and refer to the multilingual toolkits and training guides below to understand your rights. The National Partnership for New Americans has also produced a live document with legal protection resources and materials that will be continually updated.
Resources for Families
Direct Hotline: 2-1-1 Maine - for general help finding resources and information
New Mainer Resource Center - Comprehensive guide with Citizenship and Immigration, Counseling and Safety Services, Dental Services, Disability Services, Education and Training, Employment Services, Food Services, Furniture Resources, Housing Services, Legal Services, Medical Services, Social Services, Starting your own Business, Volunteer Opportunities
Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services - Includes behavioral health services, whole family services, resettlement services, youth programs, and immigration services
Maine Access Immigrant Network (MAIN) - Bridges access to health and social services for immigrants and refugees in Portland Maine, providing resource and referral information that is culturally and linguistically appropriate in English, Arabic, Somali, and French to ensure equal access to programs and services for new Mainers from Africa and Middle East
Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition - Rapid Advocacy Multilingual Resources & Language Access
Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services – Case management, interpretation and translation, legal services
Know Your Rights
ILAP Know Your Rights - Available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Lingala, Haitian Creole
Printable Red Cards - Available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Haitian, Hmong, Korean, Pashto, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Family Preparedness Plan
Step-by-Step Family Prepare dness Plan - Available in English and Spanish
Immigrant Legal Resource Center Know Your Rights Toolkit - Available in English and Spanish
Maine Association of New Mainers (MANA) - Transportation, community wellness, clothing, child + family services