In a time when the influx of illegal migrants into New York and across the United States has become a pressing concern, Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has taken the lead on an initiative that some see as sending mixed messages. The controversial move seeks to eliminate work authorization application fees, primarily to reduce the barriers and lengthy waiting times that migrants face when applying for legal work permits. The I-765 employment authorization application currently carries a price tag of $410.
At the heart of this initiative is the argument that parolees who fled their home countries under urgent humanitarian circumstances, including escaping oppression, violence, poverty, or persecution, face significant barriers to obtaining work authorization. The lawmakers contend that these individuals can only legally or securely seek employment with a valid work authorization and that the current filing fee of $410 is simply unattainable for many. Consequently, these parolees are left in a state of limbo, placing additional strain on the City's resources.
To address these concerns, Senator Gillibrand, alongside her Democratic congressional colleagues, composed a letter to Director Jaddou of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, requesting the waiver of the filing fee for the Application for Employment Authorization (I-765) exclusively for parolees. They aim to expedite the work authorization process, enabling these individuals to legally and safely work in the United States.
However, the timing of this initiative has raised eyebrows and highlighted the mixed messages being sent. It comes amid a significant influx of migrants since the spring of 2022, with approximately 110,000 migrants arriving in New York City alone. Currently, about 60,000 of these migrants remain under the City's care. While some of these migrants are expected to apply for asylum, those holding parolee status are already eligible to seek a work permit, categorized as (c)(11), which grants legal work authorization for the duration of their parole.
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| Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) File Photo |
In the broader context of recent efforts by Democratic Governor Hochul and Democratic NYC Mayor Adams to discourage further migration to New York, Senator Gillibrand's initiative seems to present a conflicting stance. Mayor Adams's recent claim, "This crisis will destroy New York," and Hochul's recent statement, "If you're going to leave your country, go somewhere else." These mixed messages in Democratic policy raise questions about how the party intends to address the growing concerns about the influx of migrants, which is increasingly viewed as a serious problem by most New Yorkers.
Furthermore, as the 2024 general elections loom, there's a growing awareness that voters may not forget how Democrats handle this crisis. The mixed signals and potentially counterproductive consequences of Senator Gillibrand's fee waiver initiative may influence voter sentiment and decisions in the upcoming elections.