New York, NY—Today, New York Governor Kathy Hochul called on President Biden to expedite work authorization for asylum seekers by extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and to commit more resources to support asylum seekers in New York State. New York immigrant advocates and unions recently sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling for the designation, redesignation, renewal and expedition of TPS for recent arrivals.
Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:
“From the moment that asylum seekers began arriving in New York, they have told us they want to get to work and provide for their families. Expediting work authorizations for recent arrivals would get them on the path to self-sufficiency, and would allow them to contribute to New York’s economy in the same way that immigrants have for centuries. The Biden administration can no longer be absent on issues that demand federal coordination. We stand with Governor Kathy Hochul in her call for President Biden to designate, redesignate, and renew TPS and expedite work authorizations for our newest New Yorkers. We also support her call for more resources and assistance for asylum seekers. The federal government can no longer phone it in – we demand action, now.”