In light of the intensification of demonstrations in the United States of America for the rights of asylum and immigrants in Washington, negotiators in Washington are considering accelerating the process of processing work permits for immigrants.
Speeding up the process of processing work permits for immigrants
Within the context of a possible border compromise, five individuals familiar with the discussions said that negotiators are contemplating expediting the processing of work permits for migrants who have been granted asylum.
Include work permit expansions in negotiations
As the migrant crisis impacts more leaders across and puts a pressure on city budgets, local and state authorities are eager to include work permit extensions in negotiations. The Democratic senator from West Virginia, Joe Manchin, proposed in November that party negotiators look into creating work visas so that undocumented immigrants, who are first unable to work legally in the US, can fill available positions.
A large influx of immigrants in Colorado
Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper (D) spoke Wednesday on the issue of asylum seekers flooding American cities, saying, "There's a real problem with cities across America." Hickenlooper's state has also witnessed a surge of migrants. They can't work when they go to the cities. Furthermore, there are open positions in the majority of these cities. I am aware that the mayors have addressed the matter. Allowing them to work while simultaneously protecting American employment will help ease that.
Wait 150 days after submitting your asylum application
Under current legislation, immigrants must wait 150 days after filing for asylum before applying for a work permit, which takes at least 30 days to be approved. The entire process usually takes much longer.
The policy change being discussed by Senate negotiators would not affect hundreds of thousands of immigrants who are already waiting for their asylum applications to be heard in the United States, according to a source familiar with the talks who was permitted anonymity to discuss the confidential deliberations. It will be limited in extent because the adjustments will be implemented concurrently with major increases in asylum applicant requirements.
Negotiations are still ongoing
Negotiations are still ongoing, and details have not been finalized. The White House has declined to respond.
While the prospects for a final agreement remain uncertain, the addition of work permits looks to be a possible sign of progress in the negotiations. It is also the first indication that Democrats are seeking a political victory in negotiations that have thus far favored Republicans.
