Across the United States, tensions are surfacing among immigrants as newly arrived migrants receive faster access to work permits, while those with deeper roots in the country continue to face barriers. This disparity has led to mounting frustrations in various cities, including New York, Chicago, and South Florida.
New vs. Established Immigrants
In New York, newcomers staying in city-run shelters express disappointment as established relatives refuse to offer support. In Chicago, a mental health service provider for undocumented immigrants has had to shift focus to assist recent arrivals. Similarly, in South Florida, long-time immigrants are voicing discontent over newer migrants obtaining work permits more readily.
Advocacy for Equal Treatment
Thousands of immigrants marched in Washington this month, calling on President Joe Biden to extend work authorization to long-term residents. Their rallying cries, “Work permits for all!” and demands for equitable treatment highlight the growing dissatisfaction among various immigrant groups.
Government Response to Migrant Influx
The U.S. government has seen over 2 million arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico for the second consecutive year. In response, new policies have been introduced to manage this influx, including legal pathways that eliminate the waiting period for work authorization for certain groups.
The Struggle for Legal Status
For many who have been in the U.S. for years, the path to legal status remains elusive. Asylum-seekers must wait six months before they can work, and even then, the process can be lengthy. Those arriving through new legal pathways set by the Biden administration face no such waiting period, which has added to the sense of inequality.
Funding Requests for Immigrant Services
The White House is seeking $1.4 billion for services for new arrivals, while mayors from major cities have requested $5 billion to cope with the influx. They argue that this support is crucial for both the newcomers and the cities that host them.
The Human Side of Migration
Many new arrivals, like Venezuelan Angel Hernandez, face dire circumstances, including rejection from relatives and challenges in finding work. Immigrant services groups are adapting to these changing needs, but the strain is evident.
Balancing Needs and Resentment
While some organizations deny any friction, others acknowledge the challenges of balancing the needs of different immigrant groups. In Atlanta, for instance, the Latin American Association has spent significant resources on aid for new arrivals without sensing resentment from their core clients.
Advocates Push for Inclusivity
Advocates continue to push for inclusive policies that provide work permits to all immigrants, irrespective of their arrival date. Their efforts reflect a growing need for a more equitable immigration system that recognizes the contributions and struggles of all immigrants.
The situation underscores the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, where newer policies favoring recent arrivals have inadvertently fueled tensions among immigrant communities, with long-standing residents feeling overlooked and undervalued.
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