June 20, 2019--Asylum In Maine

While waiting for our septic system to be pumped out (living by the bay in Maine has its moments), we had a long talk with our septic guy, Donny. We've known him for ten years. He's very bright and full of opinions. The other day many were about asylum seekers. From West Africa, Congo mainly, who he claimed are being welcomed by the political leaders of Portland.

"Can you believe they're getting $1,500 a month for rent and other expenses? My daughter who works two jobs makes about half that. And still lives with us. She could sure use some of that money. Not that I'm in favor of the government giving anyone that kind of money. To be consistent, including my daughter. But refugees when there are Americans who have needs?"

He slapped his thighs in frustration. "And people wonder why Trump was elected. It may surprise you that I didn't vote for him and don't intend to next year. But I share some of his feelings about the asylum system."

"I've been reading about this," I said, "There was a long article about Portland earlier this week in the New York Times."

"So you agree with me."

"Not so fast," Rona said, "The Times didn't say refugees are getting that much money and didn't say that whatever they might be getting in city or state money will go on indefinitely. And there was no mention of the federal government providing money unless someone is admitted to the country as an officially designated refugee. Then, as I understand it, they're entitled to the same services and benefits as U.S. citizens. But that's a relatively small number."

"And that makes sense to you?" Donny said, "That a judge finds they are in danger back in the own country, grants them asylum, and then they get Medicaid and food stamps? Again, while my working daughter, who's an American citizen, has to wait on a very long line to get housing subsides. Again, that makes sense to you?"

We felt the need to do some research.

Yes, it's true Portland has one of the most welcoming of policies. Recently, this city of 66,000 admitted about 200 Africans who were granted asylum by a judge in San Antonio. It took most more than a month to get there but they made the trek because San Antonio is considered to be the easiest place in America to be granted asylum.

Once granted asylum, attempts are made to settle refugees with family members--Maine has a relatively large Congolese community, but it is not large enough to absorb all who are likely to need help with resettlement. And Maine, it is true, is one of only two states where there is taxpayer money available to help with housing. The Portland Community Support Fund uses local government money to provide rental assistance but that Fund is already depleted. So, Donny was misinformed when he said refugees are receiving $1,500 a month in government subsidies. He was right, though, that Portland is welcoming. They, for example, have converted their basketball arena into emergency housing.

"This is really complicated," Rona said, "It is important to admit refugees who are escaping from oppression and violence, but how many is the right number? To relocate and house 200 as in Portland is a generous thing to do but we know there are hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions more worldwide who we cannot accommodate."

"Considering the numbers this feels like a gesture," I said, "But still the right thing to do. Isn't it?"

"Maybe the government should not be in this business altogether, leaving the welcoming and resettlement to refuge organizations and family members. I remember that in the past anyone seeking asylum or refugee status needed to be sponsored by an organization or family member. Didn't that work?"

I said, "I'm not proud to bring this up but there is also the political cost. Trump is mocking Portland's efforts. It continues to be an effective wedge issue for him. I wouldn't be surprised to hear him tell Donny's daughter's story."

"The good news is that in spite of continuing to have this red-meat issue to rile his base, the poll numbers for Trump are not looking good."

"We can continue to talk about this with Donny," I said, "We won't need to be pumped out again this year, but I'm sure we'll see him at the Nobleboro Village Store when we're making a donut run. They still make the best ones in Maine."