Senate passes bill for asylum seekers

Press Herald - The Maine Senate passed a bill Thursday that would allow asylum seekers to continue receiving General Assistance, buoying hopes among immigrant advocates who days earlier saw their efforts falter amid last-minute budget negotiations. In a 29-5 vote, Democrats and Republicans bucked the LePage administration by adding language to the proposal to allow immigrants who are considered “lawfully present” in the United States or are seeking asylum to receive General Assistance for up to two years. The bill, which explicitly prohibits welfare for immigrants in the country illegally, later passed the Senate and was sent to the House.