PORTLAND – Advocates for Maine’s immigrant and refugee community say a new policy that limits questioning by state workers about a person’s immigration status is a step in the right direction.

Gov. John Baldacci’s April 9 executive order was prompted by an enforcement sweep early this year in which federal agents arrested several immigrants in Portland.

As fear gripped many immigrants in the wake of the sweep, business slowed to a trickle at the Salvadoran restaurant, Tu Casa, said its owner, Luis Rodriguez.

But those fears have been greatly allayed by the new policy. “It’s awesome,” Rodriguez said of the state’s move. “It’s a good first step.”

Baldacci signed the order after consulting with state agencies to determine how the policy would affect their operations. It bars state employees from inquiring about immigration status, except under limited circumstances.

The order is similar to those created by cities around the country, including Portland. But it appears to be the first of its kind affecting an entire state.

“I think it’s a giant step for any state to take,” said Ben Guiliani, executive director of the Maine Migrant Workers Advocacy Group. “I think it’s important that people feel safe in their community.”

The policy identifies situations where officials may be obligated to ask about a person’s immigration status, including when directed by federal law, court order or other legal authority.

Michael Cantara, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, says the policy is important because Maine State Police and prosecutors need to be seen as trustworthy and responsive by all residents, including immigrants. “In that type of climate, law enforcement can do its job most effectively,” he said.