But bringing about change here may be harder than elsewhere, analysts say, in part because Maine starts with an older, less diverse population. Mr. LePage’s views are in contrast to those of officials elsewhere who see immigrants as essential to their economies. (Mr. LePage has sought, unsuccessfully, to eliminate Maine’s income tax.) Mohamud Barre, a community leader who fled Somalia two decades ago, worries that as the pressure from Mr. LePage intensifies, more families will leave. “Personally,” he added, “I don’t like to see my neighbor moving to Minneapolis,” a city that many view as a model for welcoming African immigrants.

Source: New York Times September 17, 2016 00:23 UTC