World Relief CEO Issues Statement Responding to DHS Proposed Rule Restricting Asylum Seeker Work Eligibility

Contact: Lauren Rasmussen, media@wr.org, 802.310.4255

BALTIMORE, Md. – Following the posting of a proposed new rule in which the Department of Homeland Security would freeze asylum seekers’ eligibility for work authorization while an asylum case was pending, World Relief issued the following statement, attributable to Myal Greene, president and CEO:  

“Penalizing asylum seekers who are trying to follow the rules by blocking their ability to work legally is not a solution to a backlogged system. Delaying the ability to work lawfully does not discourage people from working; it just creates a market for unlawful employment. Precisely because the asylum system is so woefully backlogged and cases often take years to process, this will directly impact a significant number of small children who are U.S. citizens. We urge DHS to instead direct resources to make meaningful strides in processing and adjudicating cases and honor the commitment the U.S. has made to offer asylum to those who can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution under the terms of U.S. law.” 

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