PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Portland officials say benefits are going to run out for more than 100 asylum seekers and that the city may not be able to lend further assistance without violating federal law.
A Maine law adopted in 2015 codified General Fund assistance that Portland had offered for years to immigrants who come to the U.S. legally to seek asylum. But the law limits benefits to 24 months, meaning some will lose their aid during the fiscal year that begins July 1.
City officials tell the Portland Press Herald (https://bit.ly/2n0NBvT ) that as many as 180 asylum seekers could lose aid over the coming year.
Mayor Ethan Strimling called the two-year limit a “draconian law.” City attorneys are looking into whether it can legally extend the benefits.
___
Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.