With Noem out, immigration advocates call for change
Key Takeaways
- Advocates say a political reset is needed on immigration policy following recent developments involving South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.
- Priorities include faster work permits, expanded legal pathways, and stronger support for refugee resettlement.
- Groups urge more resources for USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and EOIR (immigration courts) to tackle backlogs.
- Faith-based organizations emphasize practical, humane measures that help families, employers, and communities.
Advocates see an opening
It has been reported that, with Gov. Kristi Noem no longer a factor in the current political conversation, immigrant-rights and faith-based advocates are urging a policy reset. Catholic and other community groups, according to the Catholic Courier, argue that leaders should move away from campaign-season rhetoric and toward workable fixes that address labor needs and reduce irregular migration. The message: invest in legal pathways and processing capacity, and support communities hosting newcomers.
Policy levers on the table
Advocates are pressing for quicker, clearer access to work authorization, a linchpin for stability. Asylum seekers can generally apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 150 days after filing their asylum application; delays and backlogs at USCIS often push first-time EADs and renewals well past that window. Faster adjudications—and predictable automatic extensions for renewals—would help workers, employers, and city and state services plan. They also call for streamlined processing for parolees and family-based immigrants, and sustained funding for EOIR to reduce years-long case backlogs that keep families in limbo.
Refugee resettlement is another focus. Faith-based agencies—many of which form the backbone of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)—are urging stable funding and predictable admissions so local affiliates can staff up, secure housing, and provide case management. At the state level, measures like access to driver’s licenses regardless of status, legal defense funds, and workforce integration programs are touted as immediate steps that improve safety and economic participation.
What it means for immigrants now
For people navigating the system today, the advice is practical: check eligibility for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and any family-based or employment-based options; file EAD applications early and track case status; and seek qualified legal help, especially on asylum timelines and court deadlines. Employers facing shortages—common in agriculture, food processing, health care, and construction—are watching for any federal moves that could speed EAD issuance or expand lawful pathways, which could stabilize hiring and reduce turnover.
Source: Original Article