Our Story
Founded by Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project in 2005 and led by Maine People’s Resource Center (MPRC) since 2012, the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, also known as MIRC, grew in size and power from 20 members in 2012 to 68 members located throughout the state. What began as a small, informal yet vibrant coalition 12 years ago transitioned into today’s full-fledged, independent, immigrant-led non-profit organization.
The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC) is the convener of a unique, statewide network of 68 organizations, a majority of which are led by people of color – representing diverse ethnic communities across our state. All coalition member organizations are working to create and support programs and policies that promote immigrant inclusion and integration. MIRC represents member organizations that include immigrant constituency groups, advocacy groups, direct service organizations and grassroots community organizations.
About Immigrants in Maine
MIRC’s core constituency includes an estimated 54,525 immigrants and refugees, including asylum seekers, undocumented people, and their native children from diverse countries who are living throughout Maine. While MIRC operates statewide, its activities are currently concentrated in the greater Portland metro area. According to 2016 data from New American Economy, there were 24,277 immigrants living in metro Portland, alone – a 3.9% increase from 2011.
As the number of immigrants and refugees in Maine continues to grow, it has become increasingly more important to understand the needs and priorities of immigrants and how to ensure their inclusion and integration into day-to-day life. Policies that create opportunities for well-being and prosperity are needed in Maine, and without organizations like MIRC that have specific policy platforms and work toward them each day, these policies will not come to be.
There is also a dire need to educate lawmakers and the general public about the many ways in which immigrants enrich communities and contribute to economic prosperity. A selection of data points from the American Immigration Council appear below (2017):
- Immigrants make up 3% (44,694 individuals) of Maine’s total population;
- More than 2% of self-employed business owners in Maine are immigrants, and these businesses generate $48,000,000 in annual revenue.
- More than 9 out of 10 (91.8%) immigrants in Maine speak English “well” or “very well.”
- Nearly 4% of workers in Maine’s labor force are immigrants.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Dina Yacoubagha
Islamic Center of Maine
Hannah DeAngelis
Vice President
Catholic Charities Maine – Refugee & Immigration Services
John Messer
Treasurer
Sarah Lewis
Secretary
Shawna Ohm
Deborah P. Ibonwa, Esquire
Maine Equal Justice
Nélida R. Berke, MPH
Randi Greenwald
Luc-Armand Ningumirize
Light Mission Church
Kevin Damboise
Contract Staff
Didier Hakizimana
D&G Accountants LLC
Rob LeVine
IT Volunteer Consultant
Past Consultants
Nicola Chin
Organization Strategist
Ellen Skakalski
News
COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR NEW MAINERS
The Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition (MIRC) is leading the immigrant community response emergency effort. In order to provide a culturally sensitive response effort, we are
Advocates Deeply Concerned about ‘Public Charge’ Rule Impact in Maine following Supreme Court Decision
Press Release MEJ ILAP MIRC Public Charge final
Want to get in touch with MIRC?
We’re happy to answer your questions or comments. Fill out our contact form with your name, email, and message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Address:
24 Preble Street |3rd FL Ste.306
Portland, ME 04101
Office Hours:
9am -5pm Monday – Friday
Phone:
Telephone: 207-517-3404 Cell: 207-776-8138
Fax: 207-517-3410
© 2019 Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition