Digest

This episode of The Indicator delves into the complex realities of asylum seekers in the United States, specifically focusing on the arduous journey to obtain work permits. The episode highlights the stories of Ibrahim, a 34-year-old asylum seeker from Guinea, and Alejandro, a 28-year-old asylum seeker from Venezuela, both of whom arrived in New York City seeking a better life. The episode explains the lengthy process of applying for asylum and the subsequent wait for a work permit, which can take up to a year and a half. The episode also explores the impact of the influx of migrants on New York City's shelter system, which is struggling to accommodate the growing number of asylum seekers. The episode concludes with a discussion of President Biden's new executive order that bars most migrants who cross into the US illegally from seeking asylum, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy in the US.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction: Day Labor and Asylum Seekers

This Chapter introduces the topic of asylum seekers in the US, focusing on the challenges they face in finding work without a work permit. The episode begins with a scene outside a Home Depot in Brooklyn, New York, where dozens of migrants are gathered, hoping to find day labor. The episode then introduces Ibrahim, a 34-year-old asylum seeker from Guinea, who shares his story of fleeing political persecution and seeking asylum in the US. Ibrahim explains the difficulties he faces in finding work without a work permit and the lengthy process of applying for one through the asylum process.

00:01:28

The Complexities of Asylum and Work Permits

This Chapter delves into the complicated and lengthy process of applying for a work permit as an asylum seeker. The episode explains that asylum seekers must wait six months after applying for asylum before they are eligible to apply for a work permit. The episode also discusses the reasons why the process takes so long, including the shortage of immigration judges and the rise in asylum applications. The episode highlights the challenges faced by asylum seekers during this waiting period, as they are often forced to work under the table to make ends meet.

00:02:51

Alejandro's Journey: From Venezuela to New York

This Chapter focuses on the story of Alejandro, a 28-year-old asylum seeker from Venezuela. Alejandro shares his experience of fleeing Venezuela due to political persecution and threats against his life. He describes his journey across seven borders from Venezuela to Mexico and then into the US, where he applied for asylum. The episode highlights the legal right to seek asylum and the long process involved in obtaining a work permit.

00:08:29

The Impact on New York City's Shelter System

This Chapter examines the impact of the influx of migrants on New York City's shelter system. The episode highlights the challenges faced by the city in providing shelter and support to the growing number of asylum seekers. The episode discusses the city's decision to limit migrant stays in shelters to 30 days for single adults, citing overcrowding. The episode also explores the stories of asylum seekers like Alejandro, who are trying to rebuild their lives in the US while navigating the complexities of the asylum process and the challenges of finding work.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the challenges faced by asylum seekers in the US when it comes to finding work?

  Asylum seekers in the US face significant challenges in finding work without a work permit. They often have to work under the table, which can be dangerous and exploitative. The process of obtaining a work permit can be lengthy and complex, and it does not guarantee that the asylum seeker will be granted asylum status.

• What are the reasons for the lengthy process of obtaining a work permit as an asylum seeker?

  The lengthy process of obtaining a work permit as an asylum seeker is due to a number of factors, including the shortage of immigration judges, the rise in asylum applications, and the lack of meaningful immigration reform. The episode highlights the challenges faced by asylum seekers during this waiting period, as they are often forced to work under the table to make ends meet.

• How has the influx of migrants impacted New York City's shelter system?

  The influx of migrants has put a strain on New York City's shelter system, which is struggling to accommodate the growing number of asylum seekers. The city has opened more than 200 emergency shelters, but the system is still overcrowded. The episode highlights the challenges faced by the city in providing shelter and support to asylum seekers.

• What is President Biden's new executive order regarding asylum seekers?

  President Biden's new executive order bars most migrants who cross into the US illegally from seeking asylum. The order is intended to address the influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border, but it has been criticized by some for limiting access to asylum. The episode discusses the order and its potential impact on asylum seekers.

Show Notes