New name, same mission! LIRS is now Global Refuge. Learn more.

New name.
Same mission.

LIRS is now Global Refuge.

Welcoming newcomers since 1939.

See Our Evolution

The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Immigration and Asylum

Global Refuge Condemns DHS Proposal to Limit Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

November 13, 2019

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Condemns dhs rule proposal to limit work authorization for asylum seekers

Contact: Tim Young | timothy.young@globalrefuge.org | 443-257-6310

Baltimore, MD – On November 14, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule proposal in the Federal Register that will make it much more difficult for asylum seekers to apply for and obtain employment authorization in the United States.

“These policy changes would be devastating to asylum seekers in this country,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO of Global Refuge (LIRS). “Without work permits, they will not have the independence to feed their families, to buy medicine for their children, or to provide the most basic necessities for themselves and their loved ones while they await their due process.”

Under the new proposal, DHS would be able to deny employment authorization to asylum seekers who did not cross the border at an authorized port of entry—making thousands of those fleeing violence and persecution at our southern border ineligible to work. The proposed policy would also extend the waiting period to apply for employment authorization to 365 days from the date of application filing, double the current wait period of 150 days, leaving asylum seekers unable to work for a full year.

“With these regulations, work permits may become effectively nonexistent for asylum seekers,” said O’Mara Vignarajah. “The new policies would deny them the ability to fully integrate into American society, forcing them into the shadows to seek work to support themselves and their families. Not only would the proposed changes be destructive to the American economy, they are likely to result in a loss of millions of local, state, and federal tax dollars.”

Other provisions of the proposed policy include automatic denial of work authorization to any asylum seeker with a felony conviction, pending drug or other “public safety” charges, or “serious non-political crime” outside of the United States; a two-year limit on all employment authorizations; the removal of a requirement that ensures asylum seekers are notified within 30 days if their application is incomplete; and mandatory fingerprinting and other biometric collections to be paid for by the applicants – an unprecedented fee for asylum seekers that comes just days after the administration’s decision to charge an asylum application fee, making the U.S. just one of four countries to do so.

“This proposal is just another in a long line of the Administration’s policy changes designed to make it clear that those fleeing violence and persecution are not welcome here,” said O’Mara Vignarajah. “To deny asylum seekers the dignity of work is not just cruel, it’s irresponsible. These people have been through hardships we can’t even imagine, but they want to work. They want to be productive members of our society. The least we can do is give them that chance.”

Founded in 1939, Global Refuge (LIRS) is one of the largest immigration and refugee resettlement agencies in the United States. Global Refuge is nationally recognized for its leadership working with and advocating for refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, immigrants in detention, families fractured by migration and other vulnerable populations. Through 80 years of service and advocacy, Global Refuge has helped over 500,000 migrants and refugees rebuild their lives in America. 

The Latest

  • Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

    September 30, 2024

    U.S. Resettles Most Refugees in Three Decades, Maintains FY 2025 Refugee Cap at 125,000

    The White House announced today that President Biden has officially signed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Presidential Determination on refugee admissions, maintaining the annual cap at 125,000 refugees.

    Read More
  • News

    September 26, 2024

    How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration

    Learn how to talk to your kids about immigration from Global Refuge.

    Read More
  • News

    September 26, 2024

    Supporting Empowerment: A Donor’s Story

    "Matt is a proven leader, he understands the economic strength refugees bring to our communities, and he has compassion for welcoming newcomers,” said Jon Buuck, Global Refuge Senior Philanthropic Advisor. “We could not ask for a better partner in the work of welcome.” 

    Read More
  • News · Community Engagement

    September 25, 2024

    Global Refuge on WYPR: Combatting Misinformation about Immigrants

    Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO of Global Refuge, joins WYPR for a discussion on the spread of misinformation about immigrants.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    August 19, 2024

    Global Refuge urges thoughtful immigration discussion at DNC

    We hope to hear a robust commitment to policies that respect the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, prioritize family unity, and reflect the enormous contributions these newcomers make

    Read More

Share