Let asylum seekers work in Illinois

The United States is overwhelmed with thousands of migrants crossing our borders. Last week, Congress again demonstrated no bipartisan ability to address the issue. What is created by this inaction is a power vacuum at the federal level of our government that states may be forced to step up and fill.

The State of Texas has responded by busing thousands of migrants to other states. The Texas legislature is even considering state laws that would allow law enforcement personnel to arrest border crossers in defiance of federal law. You do not need to agree with what Texas is doing to appreciate that the state is taking actions on its own.

Illinois has always been a welcoming landing port for immigrants and has provided opportunities to succeed. Most asylum seekers want to work while their cases make their way through the courts. Last November a program was devised by the Biden administration to register certain asylum seekers to work but it has been ineffective.

Illinois, like Texas, needs to make an end run around current federal regulations and act on its own the fill the power vacuum. Let asylum seekers work while their cases are pending. Jobs seem to be available.

No funds are available to care for all these migrants. Let’s let them work. Jobs allow migrants to obtain housing and food and necessities themselves.

Sanctuary for asylum seekers is a two-way street. Registration should be limited to only those who have made actual claims for asylum to the Immigration Service. Border jumpers who entered and avoided border agents or persons who are here with expired tourist visas should remain subject to deportation. Any migrant who is arrested for theft, fraud, assault or any serious crime should be deported.

Randy Harris

Arlington Heights