When Can an Asylee Work in the United States?
For many asylees, work authorization is necessary, because they have no ability to support themselves despite being granted asylum. Some media outlets wrongly portray asylees as receiving “free” apartments and food for months for months on end. In reality, asylees are responsible for paying their way, and social services for asylees are uneven.
The good news is that you should qualify for work authorization, although there are different dates you need to be aware of. Call Empowerment Legal, PLLC to speak with an experienced lawyer. We have helped many people request refugee or asylum status.
Determining When You Can Work
Each asylum seeker’s journey is different. When you can legally work will depend on if your application has been approved or if it is still pending.
Immediate Work Authorization After Asylum
If your asylum application is approved, you should immediately be considered an alien who is authorized to work. That means you can immediately start working legally. You should be able to apply for a Social Security number, which is a critical first step, and you can start applying for jobs.
U.S. employment laws prevent discrimination based on immigration status, although that does not mean you will automatically get a job you apply for. Your employer will need to fill out additional information to document that you have authorization to work.
Even better, there is no expiration date to work authorization. So long as you remain an asylee, you have indefinite work privileges.
Work Authorization with a Pending Asylum Application
What happens if you are still waiting for a determination on your asylum application? Generally, you cannot work until you meet certain requirements:
- Your application is filed with USCIS and is pending.
- You have waited 150 days after filing your application. You cannot apply for an employment authorization document until then.
- You file Form I-765 and provide supporting documents, including identity documents.
- You wait sufficient time. USCIS will not issue an EAD until 180 days have passed on your case.
As an asylum seeker, you should not start working without an EAD. That means no work “under the table” where you are paid in cash, and no working under a false name with a stolen Social Security Number.
The Trump Administration is cracking down on asylum seekers and looking for any reason to kick you out of the country. They could use unauthorized work as a reason to deport, which will likely bar your ability to come to the United States legally in the future.
Contact Our Office if You Need Assistance
Empowerment Legal is fully committed to helping deserving individuals apply for and obtain asylum or refugee status. We have also helped asylum applicants with the process for obtaining an Employment Authorization Document. Call our office to speak with a Jacksonville refugee and asylum applications lawyer in a private consultation. The current laws regarding immigration and asylum are up in the air, and the Trump administration has recently proposed changes which could delay the ability to receive work authorization. Reach out to our office for more information.
Source:
cbsnews.com/news/asylum-seeker-work-permits-trump-administration-restrictions/