WorkNYC Cards Proposed for Migrants

Zellnor Myrie | Facebook

A stated reason why the business community supports open borders is the willingness of economic migrants to accept lower wages and fewer benefits, which means more corporate profits. A Brooklyn senator is abetting that theory by proposing special migrant work cards that will simplify the hiring process.

“Let’s start with a simple but paramount principle: every New Yorker, including our newest arrivals, should have a path to gainful and safe employment,” Democrat Zellnor Myrie said. “With support from the state, the city should launch a program to centralize job opportunities and easily connect them to residents of all backgrounds.”

According to the senator, “WorkNYC” cards could provide applicants with a locally valid credential containing basic information along with any skills, interests, or relevant work experience. The card might also contain helpful direction on where New Yorkers can find their rights and responsibilities as workers, he said.

WorkNYC cards would be open to all, including those seeking asylum in the city. “In order to receive a card, asylum seekers would be required to demonstrate that they have begun the official asylum-seeking process, and if approved, would have the same WorkNYC card as a young New Yorker seeking to enter the workforce for the first time, a veteran or retired resident looking to get back in, or any city resident looking for a job to put food on the table,” Zellnor explained.

He added: “Of course, all federal and state laws regarding employment would still apply and there would be legitimate legal concerns around the program. But as everyone continues to finger-point and pontificate, thousands of New Yorkers remain unemployed while labor and business leaders alike clamor for workers. Plus, I think the law is on our side.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent White House trip focused on getting the Biden administration to lift time restrictions limiting when new migrants can find jobs in the city. Thanks to her Sanctuary policies, 110,000 immigrants have come to New York and the city has run out of room to house them. Those not becoming gainfully employed will continue to be supported by the taxpayers, a cost Mayor Eric Adams said will reach $12 billion over the next two years. The city and the state have already spent more than $5 billion accommodating the asylum seekers so far.