The Finance and Governance Committee of the Denver City Council discussed Tuesday issuing a proclamation urging the federal government to expedite work authorization for immigrants.
“Individuals who are seeking asylum in the United States are subject to a 150-day waiting period after submitting their asylum claim to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (also referred to as a work permit),” the proclamation states. “During this waiting period, many asylum seekers must rely on counties and nonprofits within their communities to provide their basic needs as they are legally unable to work. The National Association of Counties (NACo) urges Congress and the administration to take actions to shorten the current waiting period for asylum seekers who are applying for an EAD. By shortening this arbitrary waiting period, asylum seekers will be able to contribute more quickly to the workforce and local economy and reduce the need for them to rely on supportive services from counties.”