Read on Twitter
1/ On Friday, @USCIS announced fee increases for a variety of applications, including work permits. Applications for Employment Authorization will now cost $550, up 34% from $410. https://cnn.it/2XlfPWo
2/ We expressed concern about this new rule when it was proposed late last year. Fee increases may put work authorization out of reach for many groups, including #AsylumSeekers, who now have to wait 365 days to be able to apply for work permits. https://bit.ly/3k7BOdm
3/ Denying #AsylumSeekers the means to self-sufficiency while their cases are being reviewed is inhumane. We shared these concerns with @USCIS in a comment last year. https://bit.ly/33mjA1S
4/ We are proud to work with hundreds of asylum seekers with professional backgrounds in healthcare, IT, engineering and other essential fields. These professionals have college degrees from their home countries and ~9 years of experience.
5/ Half have expertise in high-demand STEM fields. They contribute resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills to our workforce. Our 300 alumni also contribute an estimated $2.1M million in federal taxes each year.
6/ #AsylumSeekers bring skills that bolster our collective efforts to fight #COVID19 and safely re-open our economy. Our government should welcome their contributions.
7/ Yet this new rule appears to be about building new hurdles for immigrants, refugees, & asylum seekers, rather than keeping the @USCIS true to its mission to support lawful immigration.
8/ We continue to call on the government to build policies that equip #asylumseekers with the ability to support themselves while their cases are pending, and recognizes their potential for significant contributions to our nation’s workforce and economy.
