Work Permits for Asylum Seekers Restricted to Deter Border Crossings

 Posted on December 13, 2019 in Immigration

Not all members of the same family are born in the same country. In many cases, parents choose to immigrate to the United States from another country as a way of escaping religious persecution and to provide their family with new opportunities and a better life. Many of these immigrants come to our country for employment through work visas or permits. Recently, however, the Trump administration released a proposal to restrict the number of work permits given to asylum seekers.

What Is a U.S. Work Permit?

A work permit is a photo identity card issued by USCIS. It is also called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD looks similar to a U.S. driver’s license. Those immigrants who possess an EAD can show it to prospective employers as proof of their right to work in the country for a specified amount of time. The other documents that allow an alien to work in the United States include a Green Card, also known as a Permanent Residence Card, or an Employment-based Visa. Every employer in the United States must request proof of a new employee’s immigration status or right to work. Companies that violate this rule can face repercussions.

Purpose and Procedures of the Proposal

U.S. immigration officials say limiting these work permits would deter those immigrants who enter the country purely for economic reasons. It would also automatically disqualify those asylum seekers who have been arrested or convicted of felony offenses.

Under this new proposal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would deny work authorization to many migrants seeking asylum who entered the United States at the Mexico border without proper documentation. The policy would also require any foreign national seeking refuge to wait one year from the date they file their asylum application to request work authorization. This would also apply to immigrants who are in the midst of deportation proceedings.

The ramifications of such a proposal could include thousands of immigrants losing their jobs or becoming ineligible for work in the United States. According to USCIS Director Ken Cuccinelli, the proposal targets those seeking to “exploit” the United States asylum system by taking advantage of work opportunities here. Officials claim it takes work permits away from those asylum seekers who come here for legitimate humanitarian concerns.

The proposed rule must be published in the Federal Register, then it will undergo a 30-day review period. During this time, the public is allowed to voice their opinions on it. The next step in the regulatory process would be for USCIS to publish a final rule and enforce it.

Contact an Illinois Immigration Attorney

Immigration is an important topic, and it has been in the news a lot over the past few years. The current White House administration has proposed a lot of changes in an effort to secure the U.S. borders. Some of these proposals may affect you or your loved one’s ability to lawfully enter the United States on a work permit. The seasoned Illinois immigration attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices are prepared to counsel you throughout the immigration process to make sure you do not make any legal mistakes. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 630-932-9100.