The announcement by President Biden last September to extend work eligibility to nearly half a million Venezuelans, many of whom recently crossed the border illegally, has sparked concerns among long-term undocumented immigrants and their advocates. Individuals like Sam Sanchez, a Chicago restaurateur, express frustration over the disparity in treatment between newly arrived migrants and those who have lived and worked in the United States for years without legal status.
Sanchez, also a board member of the National Restaurant Association, voices concern for his undocumented employees like Ruben, a Mexican father of two U.S.-born children, and Juan, another Mexican worker with a significant tenure at Moe’s Cantina. Both Ruben and Juan have been in the country unlawfully since the late 1980s and have built lives and families while awaiting a pathway to legal employment.
President Biden’s move to allow several hundred thousand migrants to live and work temporarily in the United States, aimed at reducing reliance on shelters and assistance, has prompted calls from various groups to extend similar opportunities to the more than eight million undocumented individuals already residing in the country. Advocates, including business leaders and organizations representing undocumented immigrants and their U.S.-citizen children, emphasize the need for equitable access to work authorization.
Rebecca Shi, executive director of the American Business Immigration Coalition, highlights the urgency of extending work permits to long-term undocumented individuals, including spouses of U.S. citizens, parents of U.S.-citizen children, and farm workers. Despite longstanding efforts by business leaders to advocate for immigration reform, progress has been stymied by political gridlock in Congress.
Recent rallies and events across the country, including in Chicago and Las Vegas, have called on the Biden administration to address the plight of undocumented immigrants and provide them with legal work opportunities. However, concerns remain about potential legal challenges and political backlash that could arise from such sweeping actions.
While President Biden has taken steps to address migration challenges, including granting humanitarian parole to migrants from countries experiencing political and economic instability, questions persist about his administration’s approach to undocumented immigrants already living in the United States. The tension between supporting newly arrived migrants and addressing the needs of longstanding undocumented residents underscores the complexity of immigration policy and its implications for various communities.
Efforts to secure work permits for undocumented immigrants also highlight the broader debate over immigration reform and the need to address labor shortages in certain industries. Advocates argue that granting work permits to long-term unauthorized immigrants could alleviate workforce challenges faced by employers, particularly in sectors like agriculture.
Amidst these discussions, the contributions of undocumented immigrants to the economy, including their significant tax contributions, have come under scrutiny. Despite their financial contributions, many undocumented individuals are excluded from accessing certain benefits and protections, raising questions of fairness and equity in the immigration system.
As debates over immigration policy continue, the plight of undocumented immigrants who have lived and worked in the United States for years remains a pressing issue. Advocates emphasize the need for comprehensive reform that addresses the diverse needs of immigrant communities while upholding principles of fairness and justice.