The We Are Maine march and rally was attended by hundreds of people from across the state. Immigrants, students, faith leaders, union members, elected officials and many others from communities throughout Maine gathered to reject policies promoted by Governor Paul LePage.
March begins from Lincoln Park.
March moves past City Hall, growing in numbers.
Students get out front.
The event was organized by the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition. A march was led from Lincoln Park to Monument Square, where a rally was held with speakers, song and dance.
The Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition provides opportunity for immigrant led groups that directly support their communities to meet with each other and with other advocacy groups. Through the coalition groups representing diverse communities of immigrants from around the world — each with their own challenges — find mutual support and develop common goals.
Many issues and groups were present at the We Are Maine event. It was the potential elimination of GA funding for asylum seekers, who are political refugees, that was the rallying cause.
Asylum seekers must obtain a particular visa. They cannot work without proper papers from the Federal government. The process can be difficult, expensive and time consuming. Many rely on General Assistance to help them pay for housing and food, while they struggle through the immigration process.
People came to the march and rally to support immigrants, but also to support the homeless, students and others that might be adversely affected by Governor LePage’s policies.
Rally in Monument Square swelled as bystanders join.
