Maine agency aiding refugee resettlement in holding pattern following Trump order

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Published: Jan. 30, 2025 at 5:49 PM EST
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BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The organization that works to welcome refugees to Maine says its committed to its mission. This is in light of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

Catholic Charities Maine has decades of experience helping refugees settle in the state.

Last fall, we reported the Bangor area, which comprises a 100-mile radius around the city, was approved to accept 150 refugees.

The timeline for their resettlement was Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025. According to Catholic Charities, 15 refugees were resettled in Bangor before the current pause.

The agency says all travel to the US is on hold until the Trump administration completes a 90-day review. They’re still waiting to see what will happen with any future arrivals.

“With refugees subject to the highest level of security checks of any traveler to the United States, we trust the new administration will recognize that keeping America safe and welcoming refugees are not mutually exclusive,” Catholic Charities Maine CEO Steve Letourneau said in a statement. “Our efforts are guided by Catholic social teaching to work for justice and care for the oppressed, and it is something we are 100% committed to carrying on in collaboration with the federal government and our long-standing partners in this important work.”