Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) sent a letter this week calling on President Biden to provide work papers for asylum seekers who were recently sent from New York City to the Town of Newburgh.

In his letter, Jacobson wrote: “New York City is currently providing the asylum seekers, all able-bodied men, with food and shelter at two local hotels. But these men do not want to be cared for by our government. They are here to work so they might provide for themselves and build productive lives here in our country. Unfortunately, they are unable to do so because they lack the ability to work here legally.

“As our economy continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, local employers have struggled to fill vacancies. Whether it’s food service, farming, home healthcare, or a range of other fields, employers are desperate for workers. I have personally received multiple phone calls from business owners asking how they might hire some of the asylum seekers now residing in Newburgh. Again and again, I must tell them that there is no legal way to hire these workers until the federal government provides waivers that will allow them to work.”

Jacobson said, “These asylum seekers will not take jobs away from American workers. By taking prompt action and granting these men the opportunity to work, we will be helping these men and our local economy by alleviating our ongoing workforce shortage.”

Jacobson represents the Town of Newburgh as well as the Cities of Newburgh, Beacon, and Poughkeepsie and the Towns of Marlborough, Lloyd, and Plattekill.