Despite lacking formal work authorization, a significant number of migrants bused from New York City to Upstate New York have reportedly found employment in various sectors.
Positions range from commercial cleaning to roles within the hotel and restaurant industries, with assistance from DocGo caseworkers in some instances.
The U.S. Department of Labor, acknowledging its inability to halt this employment, plans to conduct workshops to educate migrant workers about employment rights, aiming to guard against potentially dangerous or exploitative situations.
However, concerns remain about whether the migrants’ choice to work without fulfilling required stipulations, such as a 180-day stay in the U.S., could risk their future bids for permanent residency.
The situation arises amidst calls from state and federal officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, for congressional action to expedite work permits, reducing the typical 180-day waiting period to 30 days.
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