The U.S. is currently amid a severe labor shortage. Many articles (such as this and this) argue that immigration is part of the solution.
Meanwhile, asylum seekers must wait 180 days for work authorization after their application for asylum is accepted. HR1325, the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, would cut this waiting period from 180 days to 30 days. This would benefit employers, asylum seekers and the overall U.S. economy. The work permit is valid unless asylum is ultimately denied.
On April 4, 2024, the Biden Administration announced an extension of work permits (aka Employment Authorization Documents) for certain categories of immigrants from 180 to 540 days. This move protected the jobs of more than 800,000 immigrants. The change was overwhelmingly supported by members of Congress, mayors, immigrant advocacy groups, chambers of commerce and the business community. The two largest groups who benefited from the change were asylum-seekers and foreign nationals.
HR 1325 is a common-sense next step in this process of liberating the U.S. economy and protecting the safety and livelihood of asylum seekers.
Send a letter to your Congress Member to add their names as co-sponsors and to pass HR 1325. Just type in your zip code to get a simple template.
