Let Asylum Seekers Work

When people seeking asylum
can work, everyone wins.

A Solution in Plain Sight

When people seeking asylum come to the United States, they want to work and support themselves as they pursue a chance to rebuild their lives in safety.

But a mandated 180-day waiting period to gain work authorization and other administrative and procedural obstacles mean that most asylum seekers cannot legally work for six months or more.

This has devastating effects on people seeking safety, their communities, and the economy overall. It is also a huge missed opportunity.

As businesses buckle under the strain of historic labor shortages, people seeking asylum are eager to get to work quickly.

Americans from all corners of society see a solution in plain sight: let asylum seekers work.

First, Congress must act.

Congress can make a difference. Doing so is a win-win-win for businesses, families, and communities alike.

Congress has introduced multiple, bi-partisan bills to improve access to work authorization for asylum seekers. People seeking asylum are eager to work and support themselves, and these bills represent critical momentum on this issue.

Members of Congress stand with business leaders, faith leaders, city leaders, and community members throughout the country who all agree: let asylum seekers work.

The House Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act (ASWAA) is a practical and needed step forward.

The ASWAA is a bi-partisan bill in the House that would allow asylum seekers to support themselves and their families sooner and at the same time fill needed jobs and be less reliant on local shelter and emergency services.

Use Your Voice

Tell Your Member of Congress to Support the House Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act

Act Now

The Let Asylum Seekers Work Coalition Speaks Out

200+ Organizations Urge USCIS to Eliminate the Work Permit Backlog

200+ national, state, and local organizations urge the Department of Homeland Security’s (“DHS”) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to take immediate action to issue work authorization to as many qualified applicants as possible before the end of this administration. Issuing work permits now will ensure immigrants are able to power our economy for years to come.

Read the Letter