“Hello,” began our guest speaker Reza Jalali, before reeling off the greeting in a multitude of different languages. Though Maine is by the numbers, a predominantly Caucasian state, the immigration population in the Portland area is growing quickly, adding new layers of culture, race, heritage, and faith. As Reza calls them, these are the “new Mainers.” In fact, Portland’s population is now 20% “new Mainers.” To give you some perspective, between 50-55 languages are spoken just in Portland High School.
 
As a former refugee from Iran, Reza knows the hurdles facing immigrants. It’s not as if someone wakes up one day and randomly decides to leave their homeland, their family, their life. Instead it’s war, the militia at the door as innocent people get torn from their roots. In it, Reza has seen the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
 
Next time you travel down Forest Avenue, take stock of the small grocers, restaurants, salons, even car dealers. Many of them are owned and operated by recent immigrants. This is quite a leap from the days not many decades ago when intolerant groups, such as the KKK, had an office on the same strip.
 
In fact, one not need look far to see that Maine has had its share of prejudice and bigotry over its history. The French and Irish immigrants coming to work in the mills dealt with intolerance. Going back to the 1800’s, the Know Nothing Party, a violent anti-Catholic organization, infamously tarred and feathered a Catholic priest in Ellsworth, and burned down a church in Bath. Those of the Jewish faith were declined rooms at hotels. 
 
The point, says Reza, is that the way these outsiders were described, was very similar in style to how immigrants are portrayed these days. “Free loaders, criminals, welfare recipients.” Reza broadcasted a positive light, and pointed out that immigrants have a spirit of entrepreneurship, willing to start businesses, pay taxes, and add life to the community they join. He suggested that no refugee would go through the misery of getting here for the purpose of going on welfare. 
 
In conclusion, Reza offered two points. First, far from being a burden, immigrants have been very beneficial, adding to the rich fabric of our society. There are now some 50,000 “New Mainers.”  Get to know them. Open doors. Secondly, education is needed to bring people together. When there is a lack of understanding, there is fear. We must educate, and learn to work with others, who while they may be different, have much to offer.
 
 
Warm greetings: President Laura Young and Reza Jalali.