Migrant and Immigrant Services

Juan Perez-Febles, Director

The Maine Department of Labor coordinates services for migrant and foreign workers in Maine. This ensures that migrant and foreign workers obtain necessary services and employers get help hiring these workers. The Department also promotes awareness of the needs of migrant and immigrant workers throughout Maine.

State Monitor Advocate
Hiring Foreign Workers
Hotline for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
Complaint System
Contact Information

The State Monitor Advocate

The State Monitor Advocate monitors agricultural employers for compliance with the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. To do this, the Monitor Advocate:

Conducts field checks in the agriculture industry.
Provides information and advocacy for migrant and seasonal farmworkers on issues such as wages, housing and discrimination.
Informs farmworkers of their rights and the services available to them.
Ensures that migrant workers seeking employment services receive the same level of service as nonagricultural or nonimmigrant customers.

Hiring Foreign Workers

Employers seeking to bring foreign workers into the United States must receive certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, Division of Foreign Labor Certification . Certification may only be obtained in cases where it can be demonstrated that there are insufficient qualified U.S. workers available and willing to perform the work at wages that meet or exceed the prevailing wage paid for the occupation in the area of intended employment.

The Maine Department of Labor determines the prevailing wage rates for H-1B (professional workers) and Permanent Labor Certification. For more information please call (207) 623-7928 . Download the Maine Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Request Form (PDF Format), or Word Format.

Employers of foreign logging workers, known in the industry as "bonds," are required to provide proof of ownership for the equipment used by those workers. Employers must own at least one piece of equipment for every two bonds hired. Equipment for which prevailing rates are set (hand tools, chain saws, etc) is exempt from the law. Download the Maine Department of Labor Proof of Ownership Form for Logging Equipment (Word Format) or PDF Format.

Related Publications:

Hotline for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers: 1-888-307-9800 (Spanish and English spoken)

Migrant workers can contact the hotline to find out about farm work or nonagricultural employment. Migrant workers can also get assistance with obtaining a variety of services, including health care, shelter, food and clothing or educational opportunities. Workers who do not speak English can request assistance obtaining appointments with social service and health care providers.

Complaint System

Maine Department of Labor has a statewide network of CareerCenters that links job seekers with employment and training opportunities. If a person has a negative experience with a CareerCenter, or with a job obtained through a CareerCenter, he or she can file a complaint (download complaint form) with the State Monitor Advocate at (207) 822-0152.

To Contact Us

State Monitor Advocate:
Juan Perez-Febles
185 Lancaster Street
Portland, ME 04101

e-mail: Juan Perez-Febles
phone: (207) 822-0152
fax: (207) 822-0221
TTY: 1-800-794-1110
Hotline for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers: 1-888-307-9800

Foreign Labor Certification Unit:
Jorge A. Acero
Employment & Training Specialist
Bureau of Labor Standards
45 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0045

e-mail: jorge.acero@maine.gov
phone: (207) 623-7928
fax: (207) 623-7938
TTY: 1-800-794-1110

MDOL Services