NYS: 18,000 jobs available to asylum-seekers, migrants as part of statewide initiative to move individuals out of shelter and into independent living

New York State Department of Labor Working with nearly 400 employers to identify opportunities for asylum seekers and migrants who have obtained work authorizations

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Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the State has identified more than 18,000 job openings with nearly 400 employers who are willing to hire migrants and asylum seekers who have attained legal work status in the U.S. This announcement comes just one month after Hochul directed the New York State Department of Labor to begin connecting businesses with job openings to migrants and asylum seekers who have attained legal work status.

A press release stated, “The governor has focused on securing legal work status for migrants and asylum seekers, including successfully pressuring the federal government to grant Temporary Protected Status to individuals from Venezuela, so these individuals can leave the shelter system and begin living independently.”

Hochul said, "Migrants and asylum seekers came here to work – so let's put them to work. Right now, we have a migrant crisis and a workforce crisis. By connecting work-eligible individuals with jobs and opportunity in New York, we can solve them both and secure a brighter future for all New Yorkers."

On Aug. 24, Hochul directed the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to conduct outreach to employers and determine which job openings could be filled with migrants and asylum seekers. This initiative has identified more than 18,000 private-sector job openings at 379 companies who have identified roles that could be filled by individuals with legal work status. This includes job openings in accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and administrative support.

A breakdown by region is below.

Employers were identified through a portal where they could inform the state that they would welcome newly authorized individuals into their workforce. Separately, a registration process where asylum seekers and migrants with work authorization can register for assistance has been established. NYSDOL and a team of 70 state personnel representing 16 state agencies have since led an outreach effort to identify business needs and assess asylum seekers and migrants’ skills and expertise.

In addition, the governor announced the start of a public awareness campaign to help more employers articulate their business needs and welcome asylum seekers and migrants with work authorizations into their workforce.