1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2019”.
Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2019
A BILL
To authorize certain aliens seeking asylum to be employed in the United States while their applications are being adjudicated.
2. Employment authorization for aliens seeking asylum
Section 208(d)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158(d)(2) is amended to read as follows:
“(2) Employment authorization
“(A) Eligibility—The Secretary of Homeland Security shall authorize employment for an applicant for asylum—
“(i) who is not in detention;
“(ii) whose application for asylum has not been determined frivolous; and
“(iii) with respect to whom the procedures required under paragraph (5)(A)(i) have been completed.
“(B) Application—The Secretary may not grant employment authorization under this paragraph to an applicant for asylum who is not otherwise eligible for employment authorization until 30 days after the date on which the applicant filed an application for asylum.
“(C) Term—Employment authorization under this paragraph—
“(i) shall be for a period of 1 year; and
“(ii) shall be renewable for additional 1-year periods while the applicant’s asylum claim is being adjudicated, including administrative or judicial review.”