World Refugee Day is celebrated each year, on June 20.  This year World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees – for a world where refugees are welcomed. 

In support of both the Corporate Stance Opposing Human Trafficking and the Corporate stance on Immigration Reform, we ask our House of Representatives to pass this bipartisan legislation. 

H.R. 1325 Asylum Seekers Work Authorization Act is a bill intended to allow asylum seekers to seek employment opportunities while in the process of seeking asylum. 

Asylum seekers are those who have left their country and are not yet legally recognized as asylees or refugees until their claim is decided. 

It works in 3 key ways:

-It immediately reduces the waiting time for work permits to be processed. (Currently, a person cannot apply for a work permit until they have been in the U.S. for more than 6 months. The current backlog of asylum cases is 4 years.) 

-It directs the Department of Homeland Security to provide employment authorization for most asylum applicants 30 days after their filing. 

-It decreases vulnerability to human trafficking by giving access to LEGAL employment. 

-It provides an opportunity for self-sufficiency and dignity by earning money to pay legal costs independently. 

This is fully supported by the USCCB and the Alliance to End Human Trafficking.