A bill recently filed by US Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, would lower the work authorization waiting period for asylum seekers to 30 days. A companion bill was filed by Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King in the Senate. While very appealing to many, this is a bad idea (“Bill would benefit both immigrants and Maine,” Feb. 16).
Only 10 to 15 per cent of those who claim “credible fear” actually qualify for asylum, according to the Executive Office For Immigration Review. It makes no sense to grant expedited work authorization on these pending cases, most of which may be denied asylum.
Congresswoman Pingree’s press release refers to “outdated and misguided policies.” What are “outdated and misguided” are the guidelines for asylum, and the ease with which entry into the country is granted for those seeking asylum, resulting in a current backlog of 1.4 million cases.
What ‘was’ working was the Migrant Protection Protocol of the Trump administration, where cases were decided before entry into the country. The Biden administration canceled this policy, but a U.S. District court in Texas ruled in June 2021 that the policy, also known as “Remain in Mexico,” had to be re-instated.
Representative Pingree should consider legislation like the Migrant Protection Protocol, so cases could be decided before entry into the country, and those who qualify under the rules for asylum, can be welcomed into the country and granted immediate work authorization.
Bob Casimiro
executive director, Mainers for Responsible Immigration
Bridgton
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