L4GG’s Project Corazon has launched the Work Permit Pro Bono Project, a program to assist US-based asylum seekers in applying for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards, also known as work permits, helping them to support themselves and their families for the duration of their asylum proceedings.
The program will provide pro bono legal assistance to people fleeing harm in their home countries, who are in the process of seeking asylum, to apply for legal authorization to work in the US. According to the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP), a membership organization of more than 150,000 asylum seekers, many members of ASAP who are eligible to apply for work permits are seeking pro bono assistance in filling out their EAD applications.
In response to this need, L4GG created a nationwide, remote pro bono program to help unrepresented asylum seekers including ASAP members to apply for their employment authorization documents. The program includes a system for recruiting, training, and managing pro bono attorneys to help asylum seekers remotely apply for work permits. L4GG has already recruited 60+ pro bono attorneys to participate and plans to provide assistance to at least 100 asylum seekers each month moving forward. L4GG received lead pro bono assistance from the law firm Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP in piloting the program; Kasowitz attorneys will continue providing assistance in the project moving forward.
L4GG will accept requests for assistance directly on its website and has also partnered with ASAP to offer work permit assistance directly to its members.
“We believe every asylum seeker living legally in the United States should have the opportunity to seek employment so they can provide for themselves and their families. Asylum seekers have endured so much to get to the US; our new project will help them pursue employment and rebuild their lives.” said Charlene D’Cruz, Director of L4GG’s Project Corazon. “The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project is a critical partner in this work, expanding the reach of our services to their extensive, nationwide membership.”
"Members of ASAP have advocated to ensure that asylum seekers have access to work permits because they are a lifeline — not only does a work permit grant someone the ability to work legally in the U.S., but it also makes it possible to apply for health insurance and even get a driver's license in some states.” said Janis Jin, ASAP’s Membership Systems Director. “We know how important obtaining a work permit is to ASAP's members and their families, and we are excited and grateful to work with L4GG on this project."
“Our firm is committed to providing legal assistance to asylum seekers seeking a haven in the United States from persecution, including with the EAD application process, so they and their families can be financially self-sufficient,” said David J. Abrams, Kasowitz Benson Torres Partner and Pro Bono Chair.
Attorneys interested in volunteering in the project can sign up to participate here.
Asylum Seekers who would like to request assistance can do so here.
The Work Permit Pro Bono Project is run by L4GG’s Project Corazon, a program whose legal clinic at the Brownsville-Matamoros border has helped thousands fill out their I-589 applications and continues to serve hundreds each month in securing humanitarian parole and obtaining entry to the US. The Work Permit Pro Bono Project is seen as the vital next step toward ensuring asylum seekers that have crossed into the U.S. can seek jobs while awaiting asylum hearings.