Increased Federal Funding to FEMA for Shelter and Services Program (SSP)

Minimally pass the President's supplemental budget slating $1.4 Billion for operation

Congressional appropriations for SSP must be increased from $800 million nationwide to $2 Billion in addition to the President's Supplemental Budget's allocation

Identify additional federal mechanisms to relieve state and local resource constraints, such as housing vouchers, rental assistance, transportation aid, resources for school enrollment, language access, and technical support for Chicago and Illinois. 

Provide financial support to states, local governments, and NGOs for temporary housing, food and social services, whether through FEMA’s SSP or other funding streams. 

Designate a point-person for regional coordination across federal departments and agencies to access assistance and supporting, including expediting TPS applications, identifying shelter spaces, and providing supplemental wrap-around services.

The federal government must manage the transport and destination of asylum seekers, preventing the burden from falling solely on certain states. Allowing just one state to lay the burden upon certain few states run by Democrats is untenable.  

The federal government should take charge of routing buses for newly arrived migrants and facilitate communication between states, so they are aware of who is arriving and when. The federal government must stop abdicating responsibility once CBP releases migrants into the interior of the country.  

Streamline work authorization, including waiving fees for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications and authorizing work for TPS-eligible applicants.  

Allow new arrivals to apply for work authorization upon arrival, allowing them access to gainful employment, self-sufficiency and fill critical workforce shortages in various sectors. 

Expedite work authorization through necessary means, including mass fee waivers. 

Individuals are likely paroled into the U.S. Having parole allows them to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD). However, because most of the new arrivals’ parole is less than six months, they are not able to apply for those work permits. Expanding to two years would create avenue for work permits as they figure out next steps for their immigration plans.

It is extremely important for these individuals and our limited resources that new arrivals have their EAD so that they are eligible to work and become self-sufficient as quickly as possible. Employment also provides a sense of belonging, a building of community, and purpose that allows new arrivals to work through their hardships and experiences. Currently, individuals must wait months before they can apply and then it takes six to 12 months for an approval. Expedited EADs will help individuals and families stabilize quickly.

Refugees crucially receive assistance and services through the State Department-funded Reception and Placement Program—a support not available to asylees or most parolees. These individuals, who are also fleeing violence and instability, need as much support as they can get after their dangerous treks and unexpected transportation from the southern border. Just like other immigrants before them, and the most recent Afghan and Ukrainian refugee arrivals, these arrivals from Central and South American, Caribbean, and the African continent will establish a life in their adopted city.