The state says it has identified more than 18,000 job openings with nearly 400 employers who are willing to hire migrants and asylum seekers who have attained legal work status in the United States. Monday’s announcement comes just one month after Governor Kathy Hochul directed the New York State Department of Labor to begin connecting businesses with job openings for migrants and asylum seekers who have attained legal work status. The Governor has focused on securing legal work status for migrants and asylum seekers, including pressuring the federal government to grant Temporary Protected Status to individuals from Venezuela, so these individuals can leave the shelter system and begin living independently.
On August 24, Governor Hochul directed the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to conduct outreach to employers and determine which job openings could be filled with migrants and asylum seekers. This initiative has identified more than 18,000 private-sector job openings at 379 companies that have identified roles that could be filled by individuals with legal work status. This includes job openings in accommodation and food services, healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and administrative support.
Employers were identified through a portal where they could inform the State that they would welcome newly authorized individuals into their workforce. Separately, a registration process where asylum seekers and migrants with work authorization can register for assistance has been established. The New York State Department of Labor and a team of 70 State personnel representing 16 State agencies have since led a robust outreach effort to identify business needs and assess asylum seekers and migrants’ skills and expertise.
In addition, the Governor announced the start of a public awareness campaign to help more employers articulate their business needs and welcome asylum seekers and migrants with work authorizations into their workforce. NYSDOL will expand their outreach to employers via social media and digital channels and begin circulating a digital flyer, which direct employers to the Department’s intake form.
