WELCOMEministries
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God. - Leviticus 19:34
English Language Learning
We offer multi-level English Language Learning Courses in each location, ranging from Beginner to Conversational.
Classes meet at least 2 times per week and are lead by a dedicated group of volunteer teachers and teacher aids.
We would love for you to join us!
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM IN PORTLAND!
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM IN LEWISTON!
Welcoming New Neighbors
Maine is home to an ever growing number of asylum seekers, refugees and other immigrant communities. We have structured several opportunities to empower these new neighbors as they hope to join the work force in Maine and build new friendships in their new home.
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World Relief defines a refugee: A refugee is someone who has fled one’s home country and cannot return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on religion, race, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
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Amnesty International states that, “An asylum seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who hasn’t yet been legally recognized as a refugee and is waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim. “
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Refugees and Asylum Seekers are residing in the United States through separate but legal immigration processes.
Upon arrival “refugee” is granted permanent residency in the United States.
Asylum seekers may legally claim “asylum” at any boarder. This starts a lengthy court process. During this time they cannot work for at least 180 days, but are legally permitted to reside in the US.