Massachusetts Wraps Up 3-Week Work Authorization Clinic for Newly Arrived migrants: More than 1700 applications processed

The Caribbean and Beyond: From the Haitians' Perspective

In this Podcast we are presenting you a press conference given by the State of Massachusetts about the Three-week clinic to help newly-arrived immigrants obtain their employment cards This activity closed on Thursday November 30.

This clinic was designed to help newly arrived immigrants obtain their work permit.

An initiative of the Massachusetts Governor's office in collaboration with the federal government.

Over these three weeks of activities, more than 1700 applications were processed at various points in Massachusetts. These figures do not take into account the applications processed on the last day of the activity. Over 500 volunteers participated in this event, benefiting from significant support from federal authorities, the state, and non-profit organizations, according to the director of emergency aid, Lieutenant General Scott Rice.

The clinic's objective was to expedite the processing of work authorization requests, reducing the processing time to a few weeks. General Rice emphasized the urgency and determination of newcomers to obtain work permit, highlighting the clinic's essential role in connecting migrants with employment opportunities.

Representing the federal government at the closing of activities, Deputy Assistant to President Joe Biden, Dan Koh, expressed gratitude to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and all partners involved.

Mr. Koh highlighted the success of the collaboration, having served over 1,700 migrants in Massachusetts for work permit acquisition. He emphasized the Biden administration's commitment to comprehensive immigration reform and praised the partnership with Massachusetts as a model.

Dawn Brantley, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), praised the logistical and operational support provided by MEMA. He commended the support of over 500 volunteers from various institutions including the Massachusetts National Guard, the American Red Cross, and various legal service providers. Mr. Brantley praised the support from FEMA Region One and congratulated the cadets of the Massachusetts State Police for their dedication.

Cristina Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Refugees and Immigrants, highlighted the clinic's impact on immigrant families. She underscored the importance of collaboration between the state government, federal agencies, and community organizations. Ms. Aguilera praised the clinic as a testament to the nation's ability to unite for a common cause.

This clinic is a model of effective collaboration, showcasing Massachusetts's resilience and dedication in aiding newly arrived migrants, rejoiced Ms. Aguilera, who also emphasized that all undocumented immigrants are actively seeking employment once they receive their work permit.

Representatives from several other institutions, including the regional Red Cross, the Mabel Center for Immigrant Justice, the National Guard, among others, also participated in the closing ceremony of the clinic on processing applications to enable newly arrived immigrants to obtain their work permit.

Considering the success of this activity, the Healy-Driscoll administration is already considering organizing a new clinic, according to Massachusetts's Director of Emergency Aid, Lieutenant General Scott Rice.

About a month ago, the Governor of Massachusetts urged the Joe Biden administration to designate a new temporary protective status for newly arrived Haitians in the United States.

Massachusetts hosts the third-largest community of immigrants from Haiti, behind Florida and New York.