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Asylum seekers’ work authorization must be expedited

8/15/2022

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Holding back people who are willing to work is holding back our state economy
On July 20, the Portland Press Herald published the following letter to the editor by Dana Connors. We are reprinting it here for your consideration.
“I appreciated the recent column by Luke’s Lobster co-founder Ben Conniff pressing for immigration reform to help alleviate Maine’s labor shortage, specifically when it comes to reducing the time it takes for asylum seekers to be authorized to work. Conniff is spot on that authorizing asylum seekers to work sooner is key to filling gaps in worker shortages that businesses across Maine have been experiencing for decades – and more acutely since the pandemic.

Holding back people who are willing, able and eager to contribute to our economy and our communities is holding back our state.

Maine’s demographics have long made growing our population and workforce a top priority. Immigrants’ and asylum seekers’ commitment to the promise and opportunities the U.S. holds is evident through their often arduous journeys to get here and the complexities of becoming established here. As Conniff wrote, “We need them as much as they need us.”

The Maine State Chamber strongly supports and appreciates the efforts members of our federal delegation and state leaders are taking to shorten the time it takes and make it easier for asylum seekers to get to work in our state.

Doing so will strengthen our economy, lift some of the burden on municipal and nonprofit resources, and increase diversity in Maine, altogether making Maine a more attractive place to live, work and do business.

Speeding up the process of allowing new Mainers to work is a no-brainer. As Conniff concluded in his op ed, “This should be an easy call.” I agree wholeheartedly.”
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 128 State Street | Suite 101 | Augusta, ME 04330-5630
 Phone: (207) 623-4568
For media inquiries, please contact Jen Webber, (207) 939-0213
For membership inquiries, please contact Mark Ellis. (207) 623-4568
  • About Us
    • Connect with Us
    • Affiliates & Partners
    • Our Board
    • Meet the Team
    • President's Message
    • External Social Media Policy
  • Membership
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Join the Chamber
    • Return on Investment
    • Member Search
  • Public Policy
    • Public Hearings of Interest
    • Legislation of Interest
    • Public Policy Committees
    • Grassroot Resources
    • Find Your Legislator >
      • Representatives
      • Senators
  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • 2022 Annual Meeting
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Business Day at the Statehouse
    • Board Meetings & Board Events
    • DC Fly-In
    • Legislative Social
    • Policy Issues Workshops
    • Regional Breakfasts
    • Scramble for Scholars
    • Webinars by The Maine State Chamber of Commerce
  • Initiatives
    • Campus Career Connect
    • Dream It. Do It.
    • Education Foundation
    • Keep Maine Competitive
    • Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI)
    • This is ME Counting on You
    • Senior Leaders of Tomorrow Development Program
  • Newsroom
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Impact Newsletter
    • MSCC Blog
    • The Bottom Line
    • The Maine Take
    • Making Maine Work
    • MERI Roll Call
    • OneVoice Maine Magazine
    • Policy Brief Series with Educate Maine
    • Press Kit
  • Member Login