As a political battle over mixed messaging continues, city leaders try to clear up confusion that may have caused some migrant families to turn down housing offers outside Portland.

City officials and others are now focusing on the difficult next phase of the relief effort: moving the families out of the temporary shelter at the Expo into more stable housing.

After the Legislature fails to act, city officials look to the Mills administration to expand public assistance for more asylum seekers.

Immigration experts say Portland’s new arrivals are legally present in the U.S. and can’t be deported before they have completed the asylum application court process.

Some people staying at the current shelter say the new site is too far from services downtown. Riverton residents question the wisdom of putting the shelter in an industrial area next to a river.