In July, Documented received over 20 messages from asylum seekers who recently obtained their work permits, seeking information about job fairs and resources. At least 25 percent of those who contacted Documented via WhatsApp reported difficulties finding employment despite having their work permits.
While New York has implemented job fairs and resources to help migrants find employment, those who we spoke with cited a lack of awareness of city and state-sponsored opportunities and limited English proficiency as key challenges.
We spoke with three migrants who have arrived in the U.S. within the past two years and have either secured employment or are actively searching, after receiving their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Here is what they recommend.
Know your resources
Migrants undergoing a defensive asylum claim must wait 150 days after they submit their asylum case with immigration courts to file for a work permit. The government must make the decision within 30 days, meaning that, on average, someone seeking asylum will receive approval of their work permit around the six-month mark.
Also Read: Asylum Employment Authorization, Explained
Lizet Echandia, a Venezuelan national who has been in New York City for eight months, is awaiting her Employment Authorization Document to arrive in the mail. She received her Social Security card at the beginning of August.
Echandia, who is 43 years old and resides in a shelter in Manhattan with her son, said it took her five months to get her approval. “It has not been easy because nutrition is a big thing for me,” Echandia said, recounting times she only had enough money to buy food for her son. “I was not able to find employment because I wanted to follow the law,” she said, recommending that those waiting for their permit avoid working without authorization.
U.S. law requires all immigrants to have a work permit or specific visa to engage in employment. Working without a work permit could jeopardize their immigration proceedings.
She added that while waiting, people should research what resources are available for migrants in the state, including benefits for asylum seekers.
Take a free English class
Luis Zambrano, 37, emigrated from Peru in January 2023 and has been living in Long Island with a family member. He received his work permit three months ago and recommends that people learn English so that they can better communicate in their workplace. “It made a big difference because now I see that there are more employment opportunities,” Zambrano said.
“English definitely plays a big role when looking for jobs with better pay … I see that it is a necessity if you aspire to get promoted,” he said, adding that he learned basic English in Peru. “I still do not know [English] 100 percent but I can understand what they want me to do and give my input.”
Across the city, nonprofit organizations have increased their outreach for free English classes and professional development opportunities. Visit Documented’s guide to find the locations offering classes.
Patience is key
While the work permit enables people to find employment legally in the United States, the process of finding a job can be very time-consuming. Maricela Luna, 35, from Nicaragua, is currently working at a bakery in New Jersey, where she has lived since emigrating to the United States in February 2022.
“With the work permit, there are new opportunities, but believe me, it is difficult,” Luna said about finding new employment. “Every day I have been looking for employment. I have applied online, at American Eagle, Express, and nothing.”
She recommends people be patient and keep looking. “I try not to get desperate, because, like I said, God has a perfect time for everything.”
