Over 18,000 jobs found in New York for illegal immigrants with work permits.
Illegal immigrants in the United States who have obtained legal working papers now have access to over 18,000 job opportunities throughout New York, according to Governor Kathy Hochul.
In an effort to transition thousands of illegal immigrants from government care to independent living, the New York State Department of Labor was assigned the task of identifying job openings suitable for individuals with legal work authorization.
After more than a month of research, the state announced that it has discovered over 18,000 private sector job openings with nearly 400 employers across the state who are willing to hire illegal immigrants with valid work permits.
“Migrants and asylum seekers came here to work—so let’s put them to work,” stated Governor Hochul in a press release on October 2. “We are currently facing both a migrant crisis and a workforce crisis. By connecting eligible individuals with job opportunities in New York, we can address both issues and secure a brighter future for all New Yorkers.”
According to the New York State Labor Department, the job openings are available in various industries, including accommodation and food services (24%), health care (21%), manufacturing (10%), administrative support (8%), construction (5%), and retail trade (5%).
In New York City, the state has identified 9,801 job openings, followed by 2,896 in the Hudson Valley, 1,521 in Western New York, and 1,294 on Long Island.
Employers were identified through a portal where they expressed their willingness to hire eligible individuals. Governor Hochul urged more businesses to sign up for the program.
“We have to address the fact that there are currently 125,000 people who are not eligible to work and rely on public support for housing,” Governor Hochul stated at an October 2 press conference. “This is not a sustainable situation in the long term. However, we have managed it… I call on businesses to join us even more.”
Additionally, the state has created a separate portal where illegal immigrants with work permits can register for employment assistance.Granting Protected Status
The announcement follows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s decision on September 20 to grant temporary protected status (TPS) for 18 months to citizens of Venezuela who entered the United States on or before July 31, 2023. This allows eligible Venezuelan nationals to immediately apply for work authorization without the usual six-month waiting period.
Nationwide, the TPS expansion is expected to benefit up to 472,000 Venezuelan nationals. According to the office of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, around 15,000 individuals currently residing in the city’s shelters would qualify for TPS.
The extension of TPS to Venezuelans was the result of pressure from Mayor Adams and other New Yorkers who sought federal intervention to alleviate the strain on the city’s overcrowded shelter system.
“It is important for Venezuelans to understand that those who arrived after July 31, 2023, are not eligible for this protection and may be subject to removal if they do not have a legal basis to stay,” stated Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in the designation announcement.Encouraging More Illegal Immigration
However, some observers have expressed concerns that the new TPS policy could inadvertently encourage further illegal border crossings. Despite Mr. Mayorkas clarifying that the changes do not apply to Venezuelans who cross the border illegally after July 31, many may still mistakenly believe that they will receive legal work authorization and protection from deportation.
“Mayorkas knows that this is an empty threat,” wrote Andrew Arthur, a resident fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, in an analysis.“The main point is that Mayorkas’s TPS extension is simply going to encourage even more Venezuelans to enter illegally, just as the March 2021 TPS announcement by DHS sparked the surge of Venezuelan migrants that the entire country, especially NYC, has been experiencing since,” argued Mr. Arthur.
“If Adams is correct, you’d better visit the Big Apple while you can because it’s not going to last long,” he added, referring to the mayor’s previous warning that the illegal immigration crisis “will destroy” his city.
Under the Biden administration, the number of immigrants eligible for TPS has significantly increased in recent months. In April, DHS renewed TPS for 280,000 individuals from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. It also extended, designated, or redesignated TPS protections for 135,000 people from Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, and Yemen.
What are the arguments of critics who oppose granting protected status to Venezuelans and job opportunities for illegal immigrants
Verburdened shelter system. Mayor Adams commended Governor Hochul and the state’s efforts to provide job opportunities for illegal immigrants with work permits.
“This is a step in the right direction in addressing the challenges faced by both immigrants and our city,” said Mayor Adams. “By allowing eligible individuals to work and contribute to society, we are creating a more inclusive and prosperous New York.”
The decision to grant protected status to Venezuelans is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to provide relief to individuals fleeing from political and economic instability in their home country. Temporary protected status allows individuals to live and work legally in the United States for a designated period of time.
Advocacy groups and immigration rights organizations have praised the expansion of TPS for Venezuelan nationals. They argue that it will provide much-needed stability and support for individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to dire circumstances.
However, critics of the decision argue that it encourages illegal immigration and creates an incentive for individuals to enter the United States without proper documentation. They maintain that the focus should be on securing the border and enforcing immigration laws.
The job opportunities available to illegal immigrants with work permits in New York are seen as a positive step towards integration and empowerment. By providing avenues for employment, the state is giving individuals the opportunity to support themselves and contribute to the economy.
It is important to note that these job openings are specifically designated for individuals with valid work permits. This ensures that only those who have gone through the necessary legal processes are eligible for employment.
As the United States continues to grapple with the complex issue of immigration, initiatives like the one launched by the New York State Department of Labor offer potential solutions. By recognizing the importance of integrating immigrants into the workforce, the state is taking proactive steps towards addressing both the migrant crisis and the workforce crisis.
Moving forward, it will be crucial to monitor the effectiveness of these job opportunities and assess their impact on the lives of illegal immigrants in New York. Additionally, efforts should be made to educate and inform employers about the benefits of hiring individuals with work permits, as well as the legal obligations and protections that come with it.
Ultimately, creating a path to legal employment for illegal immigrants not only benefits them but also contributes to the overall growth and development of the United States. By harnessing the skills and talents of these individuals, the country can build a more diverse, resilient, and inclusive society.
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