With asylum seekers flocking to New York, there has been a push to expedite the process by which they get their working papers.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has put forward legislation to reduce the amount of time migrants would need to wait.
The Assisting Seekers in Pursuit of Integration and Rapid Employment Act would allow migrants to file for working permit applications after 30 days after filing their asylum paperwork.
The bill also provides funding for reduce the backlog of applications as well as provide food, shelter, and other services to migrants.
“Asylum seekers come to the United States seeking a better future for themselves and their families, and reducing barriers to honest, safe and legal work will benefit everyone,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Right now, asylum seekers face a burdensome 180-day waiting period before they can to begin the process of finding work. I’m introducing the ASPIRE Act to create a clear pathway to work authorizations for asylum seekers, which will enable them to become self-sufficient and contribute to their communities. This bill will also help states manage the influx of asylum seekers across the United States.”
