Immigration & Citizenship

New Mainer’s Guide to Greater Portland (click here to download the New Mainer’s Guide)

Resettling into another country can be a confusing and frustrating experience.  We’ve gathered some resources that can help you, your family and friends settle into your new home.

The Portland Public Library in partnership with the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center has created a New Mainers Guide to Greater Portland as a tool to help New Mainers navigate the different resources available at each phase of their integration here in Southern Maine.

The guide is full of resources relating to food and shelter, legal support, health care, community organizations, education, career advancement opportunities, and everything in between. The guide shares valuable information in a reliable way, compiling information for over 200 support organizations in one source and referred to at any time during one’s first years in Maine. This guide is also for service providers, residents, businesses, and local governments to use to refer New Mainers to essential resources and support services.

Work Permit Clinic for Asylum Seekers »

Hope Acts will be in the Downtown Branch of the Portland Public Library every Tuesday to assist asylum seekers with work permit applications.  For more information call, text or WhatsApp to (207) 613-5052

Work Authorization

*** It is illegal to work in the US without work authorization, and doing so can be devastating to an asylum case. ***

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Local Organizations for New Mainers »

These organizations can support New Mainers in a number of ways;  housing, food and childcare, employment and education, legal advice, healthcare and making meaningful connections in your community.

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Asylum Seeker Resource Center »

The Asylum Seeker Resource Center, sponsored by Hope Acts, offers assistance to people seeking asylum every week at the Downtown Branch of the Portland Public Library.  Their hours of service are: Thursdays and Fridays 10 AM – 3 PM

Learn More »