LIVERMORE FALLS — Selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to deny General Assistance to undocumented immigrants until there is a firm ruling from the courts.
Gov. Paul LePage and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services sent letters to towns saying it is against federal law to provide General Assistance to certain noncitizens. LePage also said if the DHHS finds that a municipality fails to comply with the law, it will cut all General Assistance reimbursement to the community, according LePage’s letter to town administrators.
The state reimburses towns 50 percent of the General Assistance it provides.
State Attorney General Janet Mills claims denying aid to undocumented immigrants and those seeking asylum is illegal and unconstitutional.
Maine Municipal Association, a statewide association for Maine towns and cities, filed suit in Cumberland County court July 10, asking a judge to rule on the legality of the policy from the LePage administration.
Livermore Falls General Assistance Director Amanda Allen told selectmen about the conflict and asked what direction they wanted her to take. There have been no requests from undocumented immigrants for General Assistance, she said. However, if a request is submitted she only has 24 hours to make a decision under the law.
Board Chairwoman Louise Chabot said MMA has asked for two weeks to look into the issue to determine what way the towns should go.
Some towns are saying they are not going to provide the aid, while others are saying they will provide the funds, Town Manager Kristal Flagg said.
“My only thought is if someone is in this country illegally why should we pay them,” Selectman Jim Collins said. “If they have a Green Card that is a different situation.”
A Green Card holder has authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Allen said her recommendation is not to pay until a decision is made by MMA.
Selectmen agreed with her.
dperry@sunjournal.com
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