I write in response to Donald Dubuc’s letter (“Immigrants’ free housing overshadows needs of Maine natives,” Jan. 23).

Immigrants aren’t taking anything from us; they are helping to breathe new life into this state. Maine is the oldest state in the nation, and we need new residents to join our companies, schools, neighborhoods and cities.

Lewiston is a city built by immigrants, brick-by-brick and street-by-street. It’s not up for debate: from the Irish to French Canadians to Somalis to Afghans to Ukrainians, each successive wave of immigrants has helped grow our economy, our culture, and our city into the second largest city in Maine.

Immigrants arrive here, get settled, find jobs, start businesses and, yes, pay taxes. They contribute to the local and state economy, full stop. Our immigrant neighbors are our friends and partners in success for Lewiston, and I am incredibly grateful that they have decided to call our city home.

Carl Sheline, Lewiston mayor