The Maine Department of Labor is seeking a federal waiver to allow asylum seekers to engage in employment while awaiting case hearings, a move aimed at addressing workforce shortages and supporting newcomers in the state. Labor Secretary Laura Fortman emphasized the benefits of eliminating the 180-day waiting period for work permits, particularly for asylum seekers striving for self-sufficiency.

Maine, grappling with a workforce shortage amid a 2.7% unemployment rate in September, aims to alleviate resource strain by enabling asylum seekers to contribute to the economy sooner. In May, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills endorsed a bipartisan bill directing the labor commissioner to pursue the waiver, acknowledging the challenges posed by the influx of over 1,600 asylum seekers in Portland, Maine’s largest city, this year.

Fortman, in her letter to federal authorities, expressed the state’s belief that allowing earlier employment for asylum seekers could address financial and resource-based challenges faced by the state and municipalities. The initiative aligns with the goal of empowering asylum seekers to stand on their own and contribute to society.

While there is currently no provision in federal law for such a waiver, the idea is gaining support. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses bills sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona), advocating for a reduction in the waiting period to 30 days. The proposal sparks debate as it navigates the balance between addressing workforce needs and adhering to existing legal frameworks.

Source: MSN