Immigrant community calls for Congressional support of Registry Act for Immigration Reform

August 16, 2024

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Photos and video: Aug. 16 Rally for Registry Act

Members of the immigrant community and allies gathered in Monument Square on Friday evening to call on Maine’s members of Congress to support or co-sponsor updates to the Registry Act for Immigration Reform.

Updating the Registry Act—H.R.1511 (read here), S.2606 (read here)—would provide a pathway to legal status for more than 8 million undocumented immigrants who have contributed to our communities for years. The act, originally created in 1929, hasn’t been updated since 1986, at which time it was amended to grant a pathway to permanent residency for anyone arriving prior to 1972.

Rep. Mana Abdi, who represents Lewiston, said, “I stand before you today to declare that enough is enough. The time has come for change. We must update the Registry Act to ensure that our communities can live in peace, and pursue their American dreams unencumbered by fear or uncertainty.”

Abdi is one of the first Somali-Americans to serve in the Maine legislature. She was born in a refugee camp in Kenya and resettled in Lewiston with her family in 2009. 

In addition to gaining the support of Congress, the goal of the rally was to gain momentum and build a base for this national campaign in Maine among immigrants and allies alike. Over 530 people have signed a petition urging Maine’s members of Congress to support the act.

Luc Kuanzambi, of Portland, is an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who not only addressed the crowd Friday evening, but also “those who may be watching us from Washington, D.C. from the comfort of the American Congress.”

He said, “We have come here with full fledged humanity. We are not just immigrants. We are not just numbers. We are your fellow human beings.” 

Kuanzambi, a communications specialist, came to the U.S. on a medical visa to receive life-saving care for his infant daughter. He and his family have lived in Maine since 2017.

“S.2606 highlights that millions of immigrants suffer a shortage of a sense of permanency simply because of a lack of political will,” he said. “The Immigration Registry Act of 1929 shows evidence that where there is a will, there is a way.” 

Benedita Kakhuba, who lives in Brunswick, is an English language coordinator at Merrymeeting Adult Education in Topsham. She came to Maine in 2019 as an asylum seeker from Angola. 

“I support the Registry Act because it is a pathway to opportunity, unity, and a brighter future for all, where every dream can take root and flourish,” Kakhuba said. “Together, we can build a future where every immigrant family lives with hope and dignity, contributing to a vibrant community that thrives on diversity and strength.” 

Background: 

Maine People’s Alliance and the Registry Act Campaign support updating the Registry Act—H.R.1511 (read here), S.2606 (read here)—which would provide a pathway to legal status for more than 8 million undocumented immigrants who have contributed to our communities for years. This act is a crucial step towards creating a fairer and more compassionate immigration system that not only benefits immigrants but strengthens our communities as a whole.

The Registry Act recognizes the invaluable contributions of immigrants to our society, economy, and culture. It upholds the principles of inclusivity, justice, and equality that our great nation was built upon. By establishing a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants who have been residing in Maine, this act provides an opportunity for them to fully participate in and contribute to our communities.

We firmly believe that by embracing the Registry Act, we can unleash the true potential of our immigrant neighbors and friends by granting them the security and legal status they deserve. These individuals have deep roots in our community, contributing to our economy and society for many years. 

Moreover, the Registry Act will help foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents of Maine. By sending a powerful message that we value and support immigrants, we reinforce the principles that make our communities diverse, resilient, and vibrant.

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Maine People’s Alliance (MPA) was founded in Lewiston in 1982 and has grown to be the largest community organization in Maine, and one of the largest in the country. MPA is a powerful grassroots network of more than 32,000 members who work together on issues that include but are not limited to climate change, toxics use reduction, health care access, affordable housing, racial justice, and immigrant rights.

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Contact: Kate Gardner, [email protected]