While the national narrative and actions of this administration have taken a violent turn against our immigrant communities, this inclusive and welcoming slice of life in Maine gives me hope that things can change – one community at a time.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of participating in a trip to Maine to hear directly from immigrants about what it is like to live there and what most affects their daily lives during these difficult times. In the midst of such a divided political climate, I was expecting the worst. But instead, I was met with hope as I listened to immigrants refer to Maine as their home and community.

At Community Change, we have been organizing listening sessions across the country to learn how the polarized debate on immigration affects different communities. We also discuss how immigrants, refugees, and residents can work together to create a future where we can all participate and enjoy the blessings of our democracy.

Most recently, we visited Lewiston, Maine, which has a long history of immigration that reflects what is happening in many communities across the country. From the French-Canadian immigrants who built the textile mills, which are now restaurants, bars, and homes, to the African immigrants who drive the economy and care for the elderly in that community, Lewiston shows how the paths of immigrants, refugees, and residents are intertwined.

When I learned that I would be traveling to Maine to join these conversations, I assumed I would meet workers who contribute to the region’s workforce or families who have come to this state in search of a brighter future. To my surprise, most of the people I met through the Maine People’s Alliance describe Maine as a welcoming community where they have been able to fulfill their dreams.

A local daycare center owner shared with us that her mother’s dream was to own a store in the United States, a country known worldwide for freedom and the opportunity for economic prosperity. It was a moving experience to hear her explain the sacrifices her mother made and the fruits of her family’s labor. Although I found it somewhat curious to hear how several residents, in one way or another, shared what for many sounds like the famous “American Dream,” but without using those specific words.

Another story that also moved me was an individual who arrived in the United States as a refugee from the Republic of Congo when he was 24 years old and found a support network that provided him with the tools he needed to become an entrepreneur. Today, he works with a nonprofit organization to help immigrants fill out their forms and he says that this is his way of giving back for all the support he received when he joined his community.

During the discussions, several participants agreed that those who have arrived in this area in recent years have integrated more easily due to better access to language and more support from local organizations. As a result, the contribution of the immigrant community has been essential to Maine’s growth and development. Something that should not go unnoticed.

For example, Portland and Lewistown are home to  a large number of immigrants from Central African countries and South Africa, and as a result, their growth and economic development have progressed. At the state level, Maine has only 68 workers available for every 100 job openings. In addition, some areas of the state are facing population losses, and there are communities that report more deaths than births. So the diverse population that has migrated to Maine has helped complete their communities.

Unfortunately, not everything has been roses. The refugees shared that years ago, some people were skeptical about refugee status, falsely believing that they were people who had come from prisons. Many found few resources to integrate into their communities.

Some participants in the roundtables shared that the growing tone of hatred against the immigrant community is no secret. Many believe that the President sets the political tone in the country and that the current administration has only filled the streets with tension and chaos. 

But while the national narrative and actions of this administration have taken a violent turn against our immigrant communities, this inclusive and welcoming slice of life in Maine gives me hope that things can change – one community at a time.