Maine State Immigration Laws

States have their own rules that affect the daily life of immigrants and the services they can access. States also have a significant say in how they enforce immigration laws.

This article outlines immigration rules and policies in the state of Maine. Learn more about:

• Law enforcement and immigration in Maine
• Employment and immigration
• Maine E-Verify requirements
• Driver’s license and ID requirements
• Public benefits restrictions
• Education checks
• Voting ID rules
• Housing ordinances and immigration
• How an immigration attorney can help
• Related resources

Immigration rules continue to evolve. Anyone facing an immigration issue in Maine should speak with a local immigration attorney for up‑to‑date guidance.

Law Enforcement and Immigration in Maine

A federal program once required law enforcement officials to fingerprint arrestees and run their names through a database. The database checked arrestees’ immigration statuses. This program was “Secure Communities.”

In 2021, President Joe Biden revoked the Executive Order by which former President Trump had renewed Secure Communities. The “Criminal Apprehension Program” replaced Secure Communities. Under that program, only convicts’ names are run through the database that checks immigration status.

Information collected during these checks is shared with:

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

But this is only usually the case if a particularly flagrant detection of immigration violations occurs. This typically only occurs when a migrant poses a threat to national security.

Employment and Immigration

For more information, refer to the federal employment eligibility verification rules and requirements for Form I-9.

Maine E-Verify Requirements

Under Maine law, employers are not required to use E-Verify for checking employees’ status. E-Verify is a government system employers can use to determine the immigration status of job applicants and workers.

Driver’s License and ID Requirements

Immigrants must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S to get a Maine driver’s license or state ID. They also must show proof of Maine residency. Examples of documents accepted for proving Maine residency are utility bills or rental agreements.

Public Benefits Restrictions

Under federal law, immigrants without legal status are barred from receiving most public benefits. But they are allowed to use emergency services. They are also allowed to get health care and other programs that are “necessary to protect life and safety.”

Education Checks

Students in the U.S. without documentation do not qualify for in-state tuition. Some public universities will allow qualifying Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to pay in-state tuition.

DACA protects eligible young adults from deportation after their parents brought them to the United States as children. It also gives these young adults work authorization for limited periods. Those periods of work authorization are renewable.

Some public universities may extend in-state tuition benefits to U visa holders. Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), abuse victims are given an easier way toward legal presence in the United States — U visas. Included within those eligible for such visas are victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Family members of victims are also eligible for U visas. Asylum seekers can also benefit from U visas if they prove they’ve been the victim of abuse in their country of origin.

Voting ID Rules

There are no voter identification requirements specific to Maine.

Housing Ordinances and Immigration

Maine laws do not address whether landlords must check the immigration status of applicants or tenants. But property owners and landlords must adhere to federal fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on religion, race, national origin, ancestry, or other protected characteristics.

Immigration in Maine: Related Resources

• Know Your Rights — Use this guide to protect yourself and your family during immigration raids.
• Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition — This nonprofit organization provides advocacy and immigration services to low-income migrants.
• Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) — This nonprofit organization offers legal services to migrants for little or no cost.
• The Maine State Bar Association — The Maine chapter of the ABA can provide referrals to pro-bono attorneys and other legal services.

Need Help With an Immigration Issue? Contact an Attorney

If you’re struggling through any immigration-related process, professional legal help can be a critical tool. An experienced attorney can assist you with any immigration issue, including:

• Helping an asylum seeker facing a possible deportation or removal proceedings
• Obtaining a green card or becoming a lawful permanent resident
• Pursuing visas for you and your family members
• Managing communications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Appearing before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
• And more

FindLaw’s directory of immigration attorneys can get you started. Because state immigration laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in Maine. Enter your city or ZIP code—whether you’re in Portland, Augusta, or elsewhere in the state—for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective lawyers, including ratings and whether they offer free consultations.

Do not be afraid to talk to an immigration lawyer—attorney-client privilege prohibits them from sharing information about your immigration status. Their role is to help you, not act as an enforcement agent.