~ See what others are saying about Senator King’s bill HERE ~

PORTLAND, ME – Standing on the steps of Portland City Hall this morning, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he has introduced federal legislation that would make it easier for asylum seekers in Maine to pursue work and become less reliant on aid provided by local municipalities.

The Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act would change federal law to reduce the mandatory period that an asylum seeker must wait to receive work authorization from 150 to 30 days after filing an asylum application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), putting asylum seekers in a position to pursue work sooner while also alleviating the pressure placed on municipal finances.

            “We are, we have been, and we always will be a nation of immigrants. It is a fundamental part of our history, and it sets us apart from any other country in the world,” Senator King said. “In Maine, we’ve welcomed asylum seekers and our communities are stronger for it. But today, federal law prevents them from even trying to get a job to support themselves and their families – and that just doesn’t make sense. It’s time that we reduce the mandatory waiting period so that we can give asylum seekers a better shot at the opportunities they came to this country to pursue in the first place, help municipalities maintain their already constrained finances, and bring eager workers into our economy at a time when many companies are looking for them. This is a common-sense change that I hope can result in a better situation for everyone.”

Current federal law mandates that asylum seekers must wait 150 days, plus an additional 30 day approval period, after filing their asylum application with USCIS in order to receive work authorization. The six month waiting period – which, in reality, often ends up being longer, especially if the asylum seeker does not have legal representation to help them through the application process – places asylum seekers in a difficult position. Without a source of income, many are left to rely on General Assistance provided by municipalities, which can consequently strain already limited municipal budgets. Senator King’s Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act would allow asylum-seekers to apply for work authorization 30 days after USCIS receives their complete application, allowing asylum seekers to become more independent and less reliant on general assistance provided by cities and towns across Maine.

Burundian refugee Philemon Dushimire, Portland Mayor Michael Brennan, and Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Chris Hall all joined Senator King today to speak in support of his bill.   

“I fled political persecution in my home country of Burundi in 2010, and am fortunate to have ended up in Maine, where I was welcomed and where I knew I could begin a new life free from the fears I had experienced back home,” said Philemon Dushimire, a native of Burundi. “But when I was forced to wait to find a job, it only made things more difficult, and I had to turn to General Assistance, which, thankfully, helped me get through a tough time. When I finally got my work authorization, I quickly found a job and, today, I’m proud to say that I will be using the money I earned to pursue an advanced degree at the University of Maine at Orono. I am grateful, and I hope future asylum seekers can have the same opportunities I have – just without having to encounter so many obstacles along the way.”

“Portland will always welcome those who are fleeing persecution because the people of this city are compassionate and understand that we are stronger when we are enriched with new ideas and perspectives,” Portland Mayor Michael Brennan said. “That’s why Portland will always lend a helping hand to asylum seekers, but we know that if it wasn’t for federal law, they would be working hard to find a job on the day they arrive here. That’s why Senator King’s bill is so important. Not only will it help asylum seekers get to work earlier, but it will also allow the city to dedicate limited General Assistance funds to helping in other ways.”

“The Portland region’s economic future holds amazing potential – potential that would only be enhanced by allowing asylum seekers to become a part of our community and a part of our economy earlier than they currently can,” said Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Chris Hall. “I hear from employers in the greater Portland region every day who tell me that they need more workers, and right here, there are people who want to work. This bill would finally help us put the two together, making Portland’s already vibrant economy that much stronger.”

In 2013, Senator King introduced a similar provision as an amendment to the immigration reform bill.

A one-page summary of Senator King’s bill is available HERE.

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