Pausing work permits for asylum seekers would hurt Maine’s economy, officials say Portland Press Herald February 26, 2026 “This regulation would be deeply damaging for U.S. employers and the broader economy,” said Cristina Moreno, policy counsel for WorkPermits.US. “Forcing [asylum applicants] out of the workforce would disrupt operations, worsen labor shortages, and increase costs for companies and consumers alike.”
Maine business groups say Trump's work permit restrictions will hurt state's economy Maine Public December 19, 2025 Businesses warned that new work permit restrictions would hurt employers and workers in Maine. The administration is considering an “indefinite pause” on work permit processing altogether for asylum applicants, said Cristina Moreno, policy counsel at WorkPermits.US.