Our Story

MIRC works to support an estimated 87,217 immigrants and refugees in our state, including asylum seekers, undocumented persons, and American-born children of immigrants. Maine’s population grew by 2.6 percent from 2010 to 2020 according to the 2020 US Census Maine Profile, which includes growth among the immigrant population. 

With this growth, it is essential to understand the needs and priorities of Maine’s immigrant population. MIRC aims to educate lawmakers and the general public about the many ways in which immigrants enrich communities and contribute to economic prosperity, which will lead to greater inclusion and integration through specific policy platforms and outreach opportunities. 

Here are some statistics about Maine’s Immigrant Population and Housing Crisis:

• 47,418 immigrants comprised 4 percent of the total population of Maine in 2018
• 2, 368 immigrant business owners accounted for 2 percent of all self-employed Maine residents in 2018, generating $15.3 million in business income.  
• Nine in ten (90 percent) of immigrants reported speaking English “well” or “very well” 
• 28,129 immigrant workers comprised 4 percent of Maine’s labor force in 2018
• According to 2016 data from New American Economy, there were 24,277 immigrants living in the Portland Metro Area alone, a 3.9 percent increase from 2011. 
• Between 2020 and 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau reports a total migration of 3,595 immigrants into Maine*
• Data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows Maine lacks more than 22,000 housing units that are affordable for the lowest-income people — those who make under $26,500 a year in a four-person household, which covers 30% of Maine renters, per the coalition.
• According to the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition in Maine, there’s a 12,000-plus waitlist for housing vouchers to help support people’s rent. 

*This figure is an estimate; given the lack of an accurate system to account for the number of immigrants that enter Maine, it is impossible to formulate an exact number.