Immigration

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision to slash refugee admissions by almost half in the next 12 months: "Past presidents have embraced America’s refugee program because they understood our standing as a beacon of hope and safety for millions of refugees across the globe. I’m heartbroken to see… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) released the following statement in response to Governor Mills’ announcement that the state will allow an influx of prospective asylum seekers who’ve come to Portland to apply for General Assistance (GA): “Governor Mills’ decision to expand general assistance funds statewide is pragmatic and a reflection of Maine’s values.… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced the House Appropriations Committee has released an emergency supplemental spending package, which includes $60 million to support communities, like Portland, Maine, which have “experienced a significant influx of” asylum seekers. The legislation provides $4.5 billion in emergency spending to address the… Read more »

On World Refugee Day, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) spoke on the U.S. House Floor in recognition of Kifah Abdulla, a Mainer originally from Baghdad, Iraq, and a refugee. Abdulla is a published poet, performer, Arabic teacher, and activist who often speaks of the eight years he spent as a prisoner of war for his political dissent.     To watch Pingree’s floor… Read more »

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement regarding the recent influx of asylum-seekers to Portland: "Most of the migrants who have arrived in Portland these past few days have had long, harrowing journeys from conflict-torn countries. These families choose to leave their homes for a reason and are seeking refuge here for the opportunity of… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) today advanced an increase in the number of H-2B visas through an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill. The amendment would give DHS the authority to add up to 63,000 additional visas in FY2020—essentially doubling the number of H-2B visas available next year to seasonal businesses in Maine and… Read more »

 WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) helped to secure the inclusion of a bipartisan amendment to the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill that is a first step toward making more H-2B visa available for seasonal businesses. The amendment would modify H-2B visa allocation to a quarterly disbursement and proportional distribution to ensure every certified… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, following a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement that it would release 30,000 additional H-2B seasonal visas fiscal year 2019, about half of the maximum amount authorized by Congress, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement: “For the last two summers, I’ve heard from seasonal business owners in… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) as well as U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-M.D.) today led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen urging the administration to immediately increase the statutory cap of H-2B visas for fiscal year 2019 as authorized by the… Read more »

Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Andy Harris (R-Md.) sent a letter to Congressional Leadership urging them to provide a meaningful solution for the H-2B temporary guest worker program in any government funding agreement. The letter was signed by 31 Senators, including Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), and… Read more »