ASAP in the News
The Hill
October 26, 2023
“It’s taking USCIS longer to issue renewals. Unless they act soon, immigrants are going to lose work authorization,” said Leidy Perez, ASAP’s policy director.
U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat
October 21, 2023
“I have lost sleep worrying about my work permit expiring. I am excited that Members of Congress are joining ASAP members in asking to immediately and permanently extend work permits,” said Charity, an ASAP member.
USA Today
October 16, 2023
“Day to day, we still relive it. Any psychological help for the families will be a blessing. It’s really hard to go through what we went through,” said ASAP member, Daniel Paz, who was separated from his daughter.
Walder Foundation
October 12, 2023
“ASAP helped me to navigate through this very confusing and complicated asylum system,” said Dr. Muradyan, an ASAP member. “I hope all asylum seekers will find ASAP and get the support in the community when they need it.”
The City
September 21, 2023
“It’s great news,” said Oliver, a Venezuelan asylum seeker. ASAP said applicants should expect delays, explaining that work permits can sometimes come through quicker via the asylum application process than with TPS.
USA Today
September 21, 2023
ASAP cheered longer validity of work permits for asylum seekers from two years to five, which ASAP members fought for to reduce backlogs and ease hardship of paying $410 each renewal.
The Guardian
September 10, 2023
Work permit backlogs have generated a resistance movement. ASAP, the membership organization formed to fight for faster and fairer treatment by federal agencies, has grown to more than 562,000 members nationwide.
The Marshall Project
September 8, 2023
After USCIS failed to renew his work permit on time, ASAP member Jairo lost his job and his drivers license. Five months later, his renewal arrived. “I felt my soul return to my body,” he said.
The Texas Observer
August 30, 2023
The Justice Department asked a judge to dismiss Leticia and Yovany’s family separation lawsuit. Mother and son are still suffering from the mental and physical trauma caused by the separation, which lasted over two years.
The Guardian
August 27, 2023
ASAP member Leticia was separated from her son at the Mexico-U.S. border under the Zero Tolerance policy. They are seeking justice by suing the federal government, which is fighting in court to defend family separation.
NPR Weekend Edition
August 26, 2023
Eddie, a Colombian newcomer to NYC, has a year to submit an asylum application. After that, he must wait another 150 days to apply for a work permit - that’s at the very least half a year without permission to work.
Almost There Podcast
August 1, 2023
“Only an organized collective of asylum seekers has the power to re-envision the asylum system and create a more welcoming United States,” said ASAP Co-ED Conchita Cruz. “Their voices and stories must be centered.”