Venezuela continues to face an ongoing political and economic crises. Inflation, chronic food shortages, unemployment, and human rights violations all contribute to the worsening situation. As such, over 7 million people have been pushed to leave their home. The vast majority settled in neighboring Latin American countries, but thousands have made their way to America.
As local officials strive to meet the needs of these newcomers, they have asked for a policy change to let these people work. Employment for refugees is key for integration and economic stability. Including refugees and asylum seekers in national labor markets is increasingly being regarded as good practice, as it benefits both the refugees and the people who live beside them. Far from being dependent, refugees are often innovative entrepreneurs. They benefit the economy with small businesses while also filling needs in the labor market and adding to the tax base.
We applaud the Biden administration for granting temporary legal status to our Venezuelan neighbors. This quickly makes them eligible for employment and ultimately allows them and their communities to thrive.
My First Asylum Case: An Attorney's Perspective on Asylum in the United States
I took my first asylum case in 2016, when our national dialog on immigration took a decidedly negative turn. As a corporate attorney, I had no experience in immigration law, but my license allowed me to represent individuals fleeing severe persecution and I signed with a local non-profit to offer my help. My first asylum client was a young mother and her two small daughters. I could see myself in Saba.
Their Story is Our Story Applauds the Signing of Virginia House Bill 995 and Continues Efforts to Open Doors for Foreign-trained Medical Professionals in Other States
Their Story is Our Story (TSOS), a non-profit organization that collects and shares the experiences of refugees to deepen understanding and influence action, applauds the signing of Virginia House Bill 995 into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin, after its unanimous passage through the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate. It will create a pathway for foreign-trained doctors who have immigrated to the state, including those whose careers were interrupted by forcible displacement, to fill workforce gaps in medically underserved communities.
Idaho One Refugee Conference
Last fall I was able to attend the 1Refugee Conference in Idaho. The event was well organized and everyone who approached our table was interested in what we did and wanted to know how to get involved. There were at least 100 students majoring in a variety of things who attended the event and we had 20 students give us their contact information. Most were interested in our internship programs.