The Immigrant

BEACON
IMMIGRANT LEGAL ADVOCACY PROJECT FALL 2018

Inside this issue:

A Message from Our

Executive Director............... 2
Board of Directors .............. 2
Melting Pot.......................... 3
The Changing Face of
Maine................................... 4
Legal News & AN ILAP
Advocacy.............................. 6
ATTORNEY AT THE
SOUTHERN BORDER
Pro Bono Panel Update........ 7
Bienvenue! Bankwana! ....... 8
Briefing from Lewiston....... 9
How You Can Help.............. 9
ILAP Services .................... 10
A  fter the administration’s punitive “Zero Tolerance” policy led
 to the forced separation and detention of thousands of immigrant
families at the southern border earlier this year, ILAP made the decision
to dedicate some of our staff time and expertise to the crisis. A trained
immigration lawyer can make a significant impact in a short time; our lawyers
are no exception.
In August, Asylum Attorney/Pro Bono Coordinator Jennifer Bailey spent
CONNECT ON FACEBOOK
a week with the Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project (PROBAR) in
Like us for the latest news, events, and
Harlingen, Texas. Watching how much worse things have gotten for people
immigration policy developments.
seeking asylum under this administration, she was motivated to return to the
Texas border after working as PROBAR’s first paralegal from 1989-1991. Staff
CONNECT ONLINE Attorney Melissa Brennan plans to make her own trip later this fall.
www.ILAPmaine.org Below, Jennifer reflects on her time in Texas and how the experience
informs ILAP's work in Maine.
CONNECT ON TWITTER
@ilapmaine Q. What kind of work did you do while at the southern border?
A. We visited detainees at a 1,200 person adult detention center in Port
Isabel, Texas (pictured above) and toured a shelter for unaccompanied minors.
Our Mission: The people I met were from Honduras and Guatemala, and shared harrowing
stories of political violence, domestic violence and gang persecution.
The Immigrant Legal For example, I met with a man from Guatemala who entered the US with
Advocacy Project helps low- his nine-year-old son last May. They were caught by US authorities, who
income immigrants improve deported the man and detained his son. As we sat locked in a small room in
their legal status and works for the detention center, the man cried and explained why he made the dangerous
more just and humane laws and trip to the US in the first place – gang members wanted his family to grow
policies affecting immigrants. drugs on their farm and, when they refused, killed two of his brothers in
front of him. He had returned to the US to reunite with his son, but lost hope
Southern Border / Continued on Page 3

Inside ILAP n A Message From Our Executive Director
BOARD of Directors

Leslie Silverstein, Esq.

For a year and a half, we have seen the relentless
President decimation of long-standing humanitarian and due
Gloria Aponte Clarke
Vice President
process protections.

I
Amy Donahoe Bruning
Treasurer t is difficult to understate the current crisis in our
Alicia Curtis, Esq. immigration system. For a year and a half, we have seen
Secretary the relentless decimation of long-standing humanitarian
Eben Albert, Esq. and due process protections. Unfortunately, there is no end in
Ken Farber, Esq. sight.
Lindsay Kay
Anne Kemper Lives have been destroyed by high profile policies including
Peter Landis, Esq.
the travel ban, child separation and detention at the border,
Robyn March, Esq.
Riikka Morrill, Esq. increased ICE enforcement, and the termination of Deferred
Priya Natarajan Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary
Adele Ngoy Protected Status (TPS) designations. During a time of global
Shafaat Qazi mass displacement, the United States has slashed the number
Lisa Scali SUE ROCHE
Executive Director of refugees we will admit from 110,000 in 2017 to 30,000 in
Ronald Stegall
Caroline Teschke, M.D. 2019. The people who are impacted will never be the same.

ILAP Staff Less publicized, incremental policy changes that chip away at protections are seen only
Jennifer Bailey, Esq., by immigration lawyers and their clients. These changes come weekly, sometimes daily,
Asylum Attorney/ in memoranda issued by the immigration agencies describing how they will interpret
Pro Bono Coordinator
Melissa Brennan, Esq.,
and implement immigration laws. Small changes that may seem insignificant can
Staff Attorney completely change outcomes for individuals and families. Cases become more complex
Julia Brown, Esq., Advocacy and fewer are handled out of immigration court. With no government-paid right to
& Outreach Attorney counsel, more people lose their cases and face deportation. These changes are not easily
Kate Chesney, Esq., undone and will impact future applicants for generations to come.
Staff Attorney
Sarah Corsico,
Legal Program Assistant The Attorney General has caused further erosions to our immigration court system,
Treva deMaynadier, which is part of the Department of Justice. He has certified cases to himself and
Immigration Forms overturned long-standing precedents, including the right for domestic violence victims
Paralegal to qualify for asylum and certain due process protections in the immigration court
Alice Kopij, Esq.,
Lewiston Staff Attorney
process. In a recent speech to new judges, he vilified immigration lawyers, stating "good
Philip Mantis, Esq., lawyers using all their talents and skills work every day . . . like water seeping through an
Legal Director earthen dam to get around the plain words of (immigration law) to advance their clients'
Danny Muller, Operations interests." The systemic impact of these words and actions is difficult to measure.
Coordinator
Loretta Prescott,
Development Director
Immigration lawyers at ILAP and across the country will continue to use their talents
Susan Roche, Esq., and skills, and the law, to advance their clients’ interests. That is the foundation of
Executive Director our legal system and it is the only thing that is restraining this crisis. Thank you for
Rachel Schwarz, supporting that fight. If you would like to stay informed on immigration updates as they
Legal Support Associate happen, follow ILAP on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for our email newsletter the
Laura Simocko,
Grant Writer
Golden Door at www.ilapmaine.org.
Christina Starr, Intake
Supervisor / DOJ
Accredited Representative
Nadine Twagirayezu,
Asylum Paralegal SUE ROCHE
Executive Director
2 • ILAP • Fall 2018
 Southern Border

MELTING POT Continued from Cover

after being detained again. I was able to notify
a nonprofit working on family reunifications
about the man’s case and hope that they’ve been
ILAP Celebrates 25 Years:
able to put him in touch with his son.
On October 4th, ILAP celebrated
I also attended a mass prosecution at the
25 years of fighting injustice
federal district court in McAllen, Texas. On
with former staff, Board and
the day I observed, 72 men and women were
the dedicated members of our India Street Society. Founder and
found guilty of unlawful entry and charged
former Executive Director Beth Stickney spoke about what inspired
with a misdemeanor. At these group hearings,
her to launch Maine’s first and only immigration legal services
everyone stands at once and mumbles their
organization, and shared some of her favorite memories from the
pleas simultaneously into headphones. It was
early days of ILAP! She was joined by current Executive Director
disturbing to watch. It was not the due process
Sue Roche and Board President Leslie Silverstein, who thanked the
that I believe our Constitution intends.
countless people who have supported ILAP over the years. If you
missed our 25th anniversary, be sure to join us on March 22nd for
Q. Did you learn anything unexpected?
CeleSoirée 2019!
A. I suppose I gained a greater appreciation for
how we do things in Maine. We’re generally
a welcoming state – asylum seekers can send
ILAP’s 2017 Annual Report:
their kids to school and are offered help getting
ILAP’s most recent Annual
on their feet. The asylum seekers I meet on a
Report will soon be available on
daily basis are ready to stop fleeing. They want
our redesigned website, which is
to put down roots, so supporting them makes
launching later this fall! Visit the
economic sense beyond the more obvious
“About” section at ILAPmaine.org
humanitarian reasons.
to learn more about our impact in
There are connections to the Texas border
2017, and the many supporters
here, too. This year ILAP has seen more
who make our work possible.
people from Central Africa coming through
the southern border and making their way to
Milbridge News: In August,
Maine. In many cases, the husband is detained
ILAP travelled to Downeast Maine
while the wife and children are paroled and
for our annual outreach to migrant
travel north. These families face the reality that
workers during the blueberry
their husband or father could be deported to
harvest. Staff members spoke with
their deaths at any time. It’s heartbreaking.
individuals and families about
their legal status, provided information about ongoing changes
Q. Is there anything else you want to say to
to immigration policy, and provided follow-up consultations and
the readers of this newsletter?
forms assistance as needed. We also launched a new “Rural Maine
A. There’s a 19 year-old boy from Honduras that
Project,” which is a year-long pilot to explore different approaches
I met in Texas who comes to my mind daily.
for bringing our services to more rural immigrants across the state.
His stepfather killed his mother in front of the
A special thank you goes to partners Mano en Mano and Maine
family. He showed me pictures of her murdered
Mobile Health Program!
body. He said that “My life is like a bad movie,
with a sad beginning, a sad ending, and only
Ongoing support for ILAP’s work in Washington and Hancock
suffering in between.”
counties is generously provided by the Betterment Fund, Machias
I want to ask people to remember the
Savings Bank and Maine Justice Foundation’s ESO Endowment
thousands of people who are detained at the
Fund. Funding for the Rural Maine Project comes from Maine
southern border when they’re talking with their
Justice Foundation’s Bank of America Grants program and the
lawmakers, even though they're far away. I also
Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation.
want to encourage any immigration lawyers who
are willing to help to contact me. Even the lucky
Reduce Reuse Recycle handful of people who have made it to Maine
Please pass along your copy of The Immigrant have many struggles ahead of them. n
Beacon after you’ve enjoyed it, and remember
to recycle.
ILAP • Fall 2018 • 3
 The
Changing
Face of
Maine
Portrait Project & Exhibits
1

2
4

3 5
4 • ILAP • Fall 2018
ILAP partnered with
photographer Molly Haley to
create a series of 10 photos of
Maine immigrants called The
Changing Face of Maine.
The photographs have been exhibited around
the state since they debuted at CeleSoirée
2017.

This year, you can see them all in

Lewiston from September through
November in locally owned shops along

6
Lisbon Street. We are proud to be part of
Lewiston’s “Becoming American” project,
building community through the arts in 24
cities across the country and here in Maine
this fall. To accompany the exhibit, ILAP’s
We may differ in our place of origin, but
Lewiston Staff Attorney Alice Kopij presented humanity is our great commonality.
a workshop on immigration in Maine on
September 25th in collaboration with
Museum LA and Lewiston Public Library.

The Changing Face of Maine will also be

on exhibit from October 5th through
December 22nd as part of Portland
Public Library’s “Home: Reflections
on Place,” a collection of immigrant art. In
connection with this exhibit, ILAP’s Advocacy
& Outreach Attorney Julia Brown will speak
on a panel on immigrant advocacy in Maine
on Thursday, November 8th. The event will be
held in the Rines Auditorium from noon-1pm.
7 8
We hope you see the strength, openness,
determination and love in these faces that MAINE FACES: 1. Fowsia Musse (Executive Director of Maine
epitomize Maine’s immigrant communities. Community Integration) and her daughter, originally from Somalia;
Each of these individuals has journeyed 2. Jocelyne Peace (employed by the US Postal Service) and her children
Joslin, Mirabella and Joshua, originally from Burundi; 3. Yassin Saker
through many experiences to arrive at their
(Deli Service Leader at Hannaford) with wife Fadia and children Raneem,
life here. They want what we all want—a
Mustafa, Moaz and Jema, originally from Syria; 4. Kifah Abdulla (Teacher,
safe place to raise their families, a good
Poet, Visual Artists and Performer), originally from Iraq; 5. Nélida Berke
job and community. We may differ in our
(Minority Health Program Coordinator for the City of Portland), originally
place of origin, but humanity is our great
from Peru; 6. Michelle White and Jose Ramirez Lemus (employed by
commonality. This project is fueled by
PSS/COR Health and Alere, respectively) with their son Michael Jose
community partners Casco Bay Frames,
Ramirez White, originally from Honduras; 7. Leandre Habonimana
Portland Public Library, the Becoming
(Housing Support Worker at Preble Street), originally from Burundi;
American project, Museum LA and Lewiston
8. ILAP Board Member Adele Ngoy (Fashion Designer and President of
Public Library, and the beautiful spirit of
Women United Around the World) with her son David Thete, originally
ILAP's clients who sat for the portraits. n
from Democratic Republic of the Congo

Photograps by Mollly Haley, mollyhaley.com

ILAP • Fall 2018 • 5
 LEGAL
NEWS&ADVOCACY

ILAP Opposed the Nomination of Judge

Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court

ILAP is concerned about the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to

serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. In August, ILAP joined a group
of representatives of several non-profit organizations in Maine in
meetings with senior aides from the offices of Senator King and
Senator Collins. These meetings, organized by the group Suit Up available for discharge at this time." Of
Maine, gave ILAP the opportunity to express deep concerns over past these, 431 children have parents who
decisions by Judge Kavanaugh about immigration issues.  are no longer in the United States and
His writings and dissents indicate he does not believe that have likely been deported.
Constitutional protections should apply to immigrants, minorities,
LGBTQ, and other vulnerable communities. There are two cases Update on Refugee Admissions
in particular that are of concern because they demonstrate Judge and Travel Ban 3.0
Kavanaugh's opinion that immigrants should not be afforded the same The Trump administration has 
Constitutional protections that are afforded to U.S. Citizens. These announced a new, incredibly low cap
cases are Garza v. Hargan and Agri Processor Co. v. National Labor of 30,000 for resettling refugees in
Relations Board. In his dissenting opinions, Judge Kavanaugh also the 2019 fiscal year, which began on
demonstrates his propensity to ignore precedent when it relates to October 1st. While the world is facing
immigrants' rights.  an enormous refugee crisis with 68
ILAP applauds Senator King's opposition to Judge Kavanaugh's million people displaced from their
confirmation and is disappointed by Senator Collins' decision to vote in homes, the United States is turning
favor of his appointment. its back on families fleeing violence
and persecution. Even more troubling
Administration Seeks to Detain Children and Families is that 30,000 is merely the cap; in
Indefinitely the recently completed 2018 fiscal
While the administration's detention of children has reached record year, the US admitted less than half
levels, the administration is proposing a regulation that will of its 45,000 cap. As Mainers, we
undo established protections for children in immigration detention. know how valuable refugees are to the
This regulation would set up a self-licensing structure in which the economic and cultural revitalization
administration would certify its own detention facilities and allow for of our communities, and we condemn
indefinite detention of families. This regulation flouts the 1997 Flores this action by the administration.
Settlement, which put in place safeguards for the safety and well-being This announcement comes
of children in detention. on the heels of the June Supreme
The Trump Administration’s efforts to detain immigrant children Court decision to uphold the
and families is the latest iteration of the “Zero Tolerance” policy administration’s “Travel Ban 3.0”. The
announced last spring. This led to the separation of more than 2,000 decision means that the travel ban,
children from their parents, many of whom were seeking asylum, aimed at individuals from
at the southern border. After massive public outcry, including by Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia,
thousands of Mainers who protested the inhumane policy, President Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen,
Trump issued an executive order to keep families detained together, will remain in effect unless
indefinitely, in government detention centers. further challenged in the courts.
In July, a federal judge in California issued an injunction ordering In a dissenting opinion, Justice
the administration to reunite separated families within 30 days Sotomayor explains that while the
and stop removing children from their parents at the border. The majority cherry-picks facts from the
government says that they met the deadline for reunification, and that background of this case, "[t]he full
711 children were found "either not eligible for reunification or not record paints a far more harrowing

6 • ILAP • Fall 2018

picture, from which a reasonable observer would readily
conclude that the Proclamation was motivated by hostility PRO PANEL
and animus toward the Muslim faith." BONO UPDATE
Attacks Against Our Immigration System Continue
LIFO Policy Developments
In Matter of L-A-B-R-, Attorney General Sessions issued
The first Pro Bono Panel cases to be processed under the
a decision that tries to curb the number of continuances
new “Last In, First Out” (LIFO) Policy are in preparation
in immigration court. An immigration judge can use
or have been filed. We appreciate the attorneys who
continuances so that people who are in removal proceedings
have jumped in to represent individuals from Rwanda,
(deportation) can pursue what is known as "collateral relief."
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola and Burkina
For example, someone can be waiting for a decision on an
Faso, many of whom have recently experienced significant
immigrant application or petition outside of immigration
trauma and must be prepared to share their stories with
court while fighting their removal in immigration court. If
USCIS soon after their applications are submitted. We
their application or petition is successful, they would get
expect to have more of these LIFO cases in the fall that
legal status in the United States and the efforts to deport
will need placement with attorneys.
them would cease. The new decision would add barriers
to this process that will make it particularly difficult for
Recent Successes
unrepresented individuals in immigration court.
Pro Bono Panel members from Berman & Simmons won
In June, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
asylum for two families in recent months, demonstrating
(USCIS) also issued two memos aimed at initiating
once again the firm’s exceptional commitment to ILAP’s
deportation proceedings for thousands. The first instructs
clients. Attorney Miram Johnson won an affirmative
its staff to issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) to anyone who
asylum grant for her client from Djibouti. As one of
is unlawfully present when an application, petition, or
only two USCIS grants in the last year, this case was a
benefit request is denied. This would include undocumented
significant accomplishment. Attorney Alicia Curtis also
individuals seeking legal status and individuals whose legal
won a defensive asylum grant in a complicated multi-
status expired while they were awaiting their decision. The
hearing case in Boston Immigration Court. The victory
memo has the potential to add thousands of cases to an
means that a large family from Rwanda has found safety
already back-logged system while contributing to the climate
and stability in Maine!
of fear in immigrant communities.
The second memo allows staff to deny any application,
Dan Keenan, Esq. was victorious in a defensive asylum
petition or request without asking for further evidence or
case for a woman from Djibouti. Without legal guidance,
letting the applicant know the application will be denied.
the client had tried unsuccessfully to represent herself
Currently, officers will let an applicant know of deficiencies
before USCIS. To prepare for court, Attorney Keenan
in her application so that she can remedy them and
rebuilt the case and earned a well-deserved win from the
continue with the application. Now, officers will not have
Immigration Judge.
to give an applicant that opportunity and can refer the case
immediately to immigration court.
Trainings
This fall, ILAP began hosting brown bag lunches to
Immigrants Contribute Enormously to
discuss ongoing changes to asylum policy and foster
Portland's Economy
community among Panel members. Our first such event
A report by New American Economy revealed that foreign-
was held on September 21st at Bernstein Shur and
born residents added $1.2 billion to Greater Portland's
focused on representing clients in Immigration Court.
economy in 2016. This data shows what we have known
Board and Pro Bono Panel member Alicia Curtis discussed
all along - immigrants make Maine stronger. Maine's
her recent success and encouraged her peers to overcome
population is aging rapidly, and as this report proves,
any hesitations they may have in taking on these complex
immigrants are making up the difference in Maine's
cases. Thanks also goes to Panel members Jenny Beverly
shrinking population. The report also noted that immigrants
and Jamie Wagner for offering their insights during the
make up 4.6% of the people living in the Portland metro
discussion. ILAP welcomes suggestions for upcoming
region, but they account for more than 5% of the working
brown bag topics or other trainings.
age population and 6% of all workers in STEM fields. Find
the full report at the City of Portland’s News page.

ILAP • Fall 2018 • 7

 BIENVENUE! BA NK WA NA!
Wilkommen, Welcome! Farewell and Well Wishes!

Melissa Brennan, Esq. joined ILAP in Over the summer, JVC member Nick Pangakis
July in the role of Staff Attorney. Prior to completed his year-long placement with ILAP. He
joining ILAP, Melissa served as Supervising brought boundless energy to his role and was a
Attorney for Immigrants’ Rights at the committed advocate for immigrant rights. Best of luck
Urban Justice Center and as Deputy in Boston!
Director of the Anti-Trafficking Initiative at
Sanctuary for Families. She holds a B.A. in Olivia Orr also departed ILAP in September to pursue
Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and a J.D. from an exciting web design opportunity at Bates College.
Brooklyn Law School. Melissa is fluent in Spanish. Olivia has kept our office running smoothly for close to
five years. Bates is lucky to have her!
In August, ILAP welcomed Rachel
Schwarz as the latest Jesuit Volunteer Thank you to summer interns Gillian Coyne, Jorge
Corps (JVC) member to fill the important Martinez, Elise Morano and Emma Morgenstern!
role of Legal Support Associate. Rachel is a We wish them the best in their continued studies and
2017 graduate of Fordham University, with careers.
a double major in International Studies
and Humanitarian Studies. She is fluent in
Spanish, having studied abroad in Central America and served DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
with JVC International in Nicaragua.
ILAP has had almost two years of
Sarah Corsico became ILAP’s new Legal unprecedented support from the community to
Program Assistant in September. Sarah is a address an equally unprecedented rise in demand
2018 graduate of Middlebury College, with for our services. One cannot happen without
a major in International & Global Studies the other, and we are grateful beyond words for
and a minor in African Studies. Her previous how this community holds immigrants and our
experience includes internships with La mission so closely.
Maison des Journalistes in Paris, Amnesty
International in New York City and Gardens for Health It’s been my great honor to serve at ILAP, and
International in Rwanda. Sarah is fluent in French. as I prepare for my next adventure in social justice
in another state, I feel secure in the knowledge
Most recently, Danny Muller joined ILAP that ILAP is stronger, wiser and more devout in
in the position of Operations Coordinator. our commitment to this work than ever. I want
Danny has worked for many years providing to personally thank everyone who has in any way
logistical and IT support for a public contributed to our strength and flexibility, our
health partnership in northern Haiti. sense of lifting each other up, and our fight for
Concurrently, he coordinated humanitarian justice.
aid efforts and program support for the
Middle East Children’s Alliance. Danny has seen firsthand how Laura Simocko, who is an ILAP veteran,
violence contributes to global migration, and has volunteered will take over as Development Director in
extensively throughout the refugee resettlement process. November and continues the strive to grow and
fortify our resources so that ILAP can be here for
immigrants.
STAFF NEWS This fall, DOJ Accredited Representative
Christina Starr will transition to the new role of Intake
Soon you will see our Annual Appeal in your
Supervisor and Treva deMaynadier will become ILAP’s
mailbox and I trust that in our 25th year, ILAP
Immigration Forms Paralegal. This structure will result
remains a priority for your philanthropy. Our
in a higher quality experience for clients and community
circle is strong all around, thanks for your part in
members. A special thank you goes to the many generous
that this and every year.
supporters who made these changes possible!
- Loretta Prescott

8 • ILAP • Fall 2018

 Mark your calendar for
March 22, 2019!
ILAP celebrates our 15th year of
CeleSoirée in 2019! We hope you
can join us for a magnificent string
BRIEFING FROM LEWISTON orchestra called Palaver Strings and
delectable food from Sichuan Kitchen,
Since the opening of ILAP’s full-time Lewiston office in June, Maiz and Sinful Kitchen—all at
our staff have been busy providing an enhanced level of services to Portland’s Best Fundraiser.
local residents and building stronger relationships with partners and
community-based organizations. As the area’s immigrant communities
have grown in recent years, their legal needs have become more Immigration Updates
complex and require the intervention of trained immigration experts.
Over the last four months, ILAP staff have provided consultations to
at Your Fingertips
dozens of individuals from Central and Eastern Africa who are seeking n For a roundup of immigration news
asylum in Maine, and addressed immigration matters ranging from with links to more reading, you can get
Temporary Protected Status to family reunification to citizenship and our Golden Door email updates sent
naturalization. We’re honored to be able to provide these services and direct to your inbox. Sign up through our
continue to build our capacity in our new location moving forward. Facebook page, just click on “Join My List”
on the left of the page.
ILAP’s growth and work would not be possible with the support of many
valuable community partners: n For advisories on laws and policies
affecting immigrants in Maine, you can
• The Next Generation Foundation and Berman & Simmons have visit our website anytime, ILAPmaine.org
provided generous multi-year funding and many individual donors have and click on “Stay Informed.”
supported ILAP’s new Lewiston office;

• Law firm Berman & Simmons, and other local pro bono attorneys, How You Can Help ILAP
have supported the expansion of our Pro Bono Asylum Panel to
It’s never been more important to
include more members who can provide representation to asylum support justice for immigrants in
seekers living in the Lewiston-Auburn area; Maine.

• Bates College continues to facilitate the placement of student To donate, use one of these options:
interns to provide French and Portuguese translation; • Write a check out to ILAP and
mail it to us in Portland
• Donate through our secure online
• In September, ILAP held a workshop for individuals seeking link at www.ILAPmaine.org (and
asylum that was co-hosted by Lewiston Adult Education, which consider making your online
provided space for ILAP to meet with clients for over a decade before we donation to ILAP recurring by the
month, quarter or year)
moved to our new office earlier this year. • Transfer a gift of stock to ILAP;
contact Sue Roche at sroche@
On September 20th, we hosted an Open House at our Lewiston office ilapmaine.org
(photo above). We were overwhelmed to be joined by so many partners • Call our office about an estate
and supporters in officially unveiling the new space. If you weren’t able gift at 207-699-4407
to join us last month, please come by and say hello the next time you
find yourself in the area! The office is located on Lisbon Street, in the
heart of downtown Lewiston.
ILAP • Fall 2018 • 9
 NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT # 64
PORTLAND, ME
IMMIGRANT LEGAL ADVOCACY PROJECT
489 Congress Street, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 17917
Portland, ME 04112
ph 207.780.1593
fax 207.699.2313
email: info@ilapmaine.org

ILAPServices INTAKE for new clients, or former clients with new matters,
takes place by appointment.

Appointments for Intake can be made any weekday except Wednesday by calling the ILAP office at
207-780-1593 or by coming to the office between 9 and 5. Intake appointments can be done in person or by
phone. Everyone must first have an Intake appointment before consulting with an ILAP attorney or getting
help with immigration forms..
n ILAP offers extended attorney n ILAP helps people to understand, fill n ILAP offers education and outreach
consultations on immigration legal issues each out, document, file and follow the progress of programs, by request, to organizations and
month in Portland and Lewiston, as well as bi- their immigration applications.  We also assist service providers on a range of immigration
monthly in Milbridge, for those who have gone applicants who must progress through additional topics. We take part in training programs
through Intake.  For those who cannot travel complicated steps on their way to a final result. for legal, medical, law enforcement or
to those locations, we offer consultations by other personnel who work with immigrant
telephone or Skype. ILAP also offers emergency n ILAP assists asylum seekers to find lawyers communities.  We also participate in
consultations for clients referred by other through its asylum pro bono panel.  ILAP also advocacy to improve laws and policies that
service providers and for those with pressing collaborates with the University of Maine School affect Maine’s immigrants.
issues of safety. ILAP attorneys may also provide of Law to offer regular classes for asylum seekers
full representation to vulnerable clients with who have no lawyer and are filing their own ILAP Office:
complex cases before Immigration hearing asylum applications.
489 Congress Street, 3rd Floor
officers and courts. Portland, ME