For months, I was proud to lead a city-wide coalition of over 54 legislators that called upon President Joseph Biden to give work authorization to asylum seekers. I took the fight to Albany by leading the charge for legislation granting work authorization and calling for leadership at all levels of government. I led rallies where my coalition chanted “Let them work,” and today I am grateful that the President listened. With the White House’s expansion of TPS for Venezuelans, we make vital progress in our fight for work authorization. Venezuelan migrants, who currently make up about 25% of asylum seekers in New York City’s shelter system, will now be able to work. That’s about 14,000 asylum seekers who now have a shot at the American Dream. This will empower them to stand on their own two feet, add new talent to the labor force, and alleviate the financial burden on our City. I look forward to continuing to work with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and my partners in government to end the migrant crisis. Thank you to President Biden for taking this necessary action.