The Healey-Driscoll administration revealed today a significant enhancement for refugees and immigrants in Massachusetts. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants, in collaboration with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, will provide increased legal support for new arrivals in the state’s emergency shelter system. This refugee legal assistance will help expedite the work authorization process for refugees and immigrants.
“In the last few months, we have seen many families come to Massachusetts looking for a place to live and work, and we want to help people make this a reality as soon as possible. These refugee resettlement agencies are uniquely qualified to help new arrivals with their needs. While we continue to advocate for the federal government to make desperately needed changes to the work authorization program, this program is an important step for us to provide legal assistance that can speed up this process and help put people on the path to get work, support their families and address our workforce needs.”
Governor Maura Healey
Refugee Legal Services Program
The newly introduced Refugee Legal Services program will empower resettlement agencies to amplify assistance to newcomers, particularly those seeking to complete work authorization applications. The primary aim is to expedite the work process for shelter residents, consequently alleviating the pressure on the Emergency Assistance system. Partnering resettlement agencies, already collaborating with the state on legal services and case management, will administer this program.
“For many new arrivals to Massachusetts, we know that waiting for work authorizations can be a significant barrier that comes after they have finally made it here. In the absence of federal action, we’re taking action to expedite the work authorization process, so we can help people get the jobs they are qualified to do and also begin to address some of the workforce challenges that exist throughout the state.”
Lt. Governor Kimberley Driscoll
Program Expansion and Eligibility for Refugee Legal Assistance
By mid-October, legal services, initially starting with the Refugee Immigrant Assistance Center, Jewish Family Services of Metrowest, and the Organization for Immigrant and Refugee Success, will extend to eight resettlement agencies. This expansion aims to encompass over 40 emergency shelters. Additionally, the state will finance filing fees to promote online application submission, further speeding up the process.
Eligible beneficiaries include newcomers and asylum seekers who have legally entered the U.S., having sought admission at the border through the Customs and Border Patrol’s pre-scheduled system.
“We are committed to helping new arrivals to the Commonwealth lead healthy and productive lives. These resettlement agencies already have tremendous experience in helping immigrants start their new lives here, and we foresee that building on this partnership to include legal services will only help the state be in a better position to tackle some of the challenges that new arrivals to Massachusetts face.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh
Practical Implementation
On-the-ground, lawyers will work closely with families in shelters, evaluate their work authorization eligibility, and facilitate the online application process. Meanwhile, resettlement agencies will keep a close eye, ensuring families attend pivotal appointments that seal the process’s conclusion.
Successful applicants can anticipate a 6 to 8-week wait time for work authorization. Beyond this, resettlement agencies extend wraparound services, guiding individuals in housing searches, job hunting, and enrolling in English proficiency courses.
Context and Additional Information
This legal support complements the Immigrant Assistance Services program overseen by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Particularly, this new initiative caters to recent arrivals eligible for work authorization due to shifting federal policies.
Currently, the shelter system houses over 6,500 families, with approximately a third being new arrivals. Families without documented status or unrecognized by federal immigration authorities do not qualify for Emergency Assistance shelter.
Xylo News 