Delayed Work Permits Force Immigrants Out Of Work

June 18, 2025

Immigrants across the country, including those in Maine, are facing significant delays in renewing their work permits.

This pause is impacting legal immigrants under programs like Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), leaving many unable to earn a living as they await federal processing.

Artem Sirenko, a Ukrainian immigrant in Biddeford, has been unable to work since his permit expired in May despite starting his renewal process in January.

He had been employed at Walmart for over a year but now depends on food stamps and family support to manage without income.

These delays vary by region but share common causes related to federal processing backlogs.

Several immigration programs, including those designed for Ukrainians and other refugees, are notably impacted.

About the author

Diane LaVoie

With over two decades of business journalism experience, Diane LaVoie has been leading our business coverage since 2017. A Nashua native and UNH graduate, Diane spent ten years at the Boston Globe covering regional economics before returning to her home state to raise her family. Her specialty is connecting national economic trends to local impacts, making complex financial news accessible to everyday readers. Diane has developed a respected column, "Granite State Business," featuring profiles of local entrepreneurs and analyzing economic development in New Hampshire's diverse communities from the North Country to the Massachusetts border. She serves on the board of the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center and frequently speaks at community events about the state's economic outlook. Outside of work, Diane is an avid gardener, cookbook collector, and youth soccer coach. She lives in Bedford with her husband and twin daughters.