Maine Governor Janet Mills and state lawmaker, Rep. Deqa Dhalac, have unveiled a proposal aimed at resolving the state’s significant worker shortage by leveraging the rapidly growing immigrant communities. Historically, Maine has had one of the smallest immigrant populations in the country, with only about 4% of residents born outside the U.S., according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
However, in recent years, the influx of tens of thousands of residents from Somalia and other African countries has led to a notable increase in the percentage of foreign-born residents in cities like Portland and Lewiston. Census figures show that between 2000 and 2022, the percentage of foreign-born residents in Maine rose by approximately one percentage point.
The proposed bill by Rep. Dhalac, the first Somali immigrant to become mayor of a U.S. city in 2021, aims to establish the Office of New Americans. This office would address shortages in critical industries such as healthcare, education, and construction. Governor Mills and Rep. Dhalac believe that improving the integration of New Americans into Maine’s communities and economy is crucial for addressing the state’s workforce needs and ensuring its economic future.
The primary activities of the proposed office would include facilitating pathways for immigrant employees to obtain professional accreditation and licenses. Additionally, the office would engage with businesses to increase the employment, retention, and advancement of immigrant employees. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing on January 30th.
Maine’s initiative follows the example of at least 18 other states that have established offices or dedicated staff to bring immigrants into their workforce. This trend is particularly prevalent in New England, where officials are simultaneously dealing with housing shortages while striving to welcome and integrate growing numbers of immigrants who have fled their homelands for the Northeast.
In conclusion, Maine’s proposal to tap into immigrant communities in order to address the state’s worker shortage is a significant step towards meeting its workforce needs. By establishing the Office of New Americans, Governor Mills and Rep. Dhalac aim to integrate immigrants into critical industries and enhance the state’s economic future. The bill’s upcoming public hearing marks an important milestone in this endeavor.
