Hundreds of asylum seekers continued to arrive in Maine in 2022, overwhelming cities and towns' ability to house them and provide basic needs. While asylum seekers fleeing violence in their own countries are allowed to remain in the U.S. while making their case to immigration courts, federal law requires a months-long wait for work permits. Throughout the year, Press Herald photographers documented their new lives in Maine.
Portland is sheltering more than 1,500 asylum seekers and homeless people in 12 hotels across 6 communities, including one in Freeport where families still need more help.