Good afternoon & welcome to the Lab Brief.
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The Lab continues to provide resources for the field to defend against anti-refugee/asylum state legislation, fight for asylum seekers’ access to work permits, and champion inclusive state policies.
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Let’s take a closer look.
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Since 2017, the number of anti-refugee/asylum bills in state legislatures had been trending downwards, while the number of pro-refugee bills increased year over year, reaching an all-time high in 2023 with over 180 bills introduced. This tremendous progress, despite a backdrop of politicized rhetoric and federal paralysis on immigration policy, is the result of successful bipartisan collaboration across the nation in support of refugee resettlement and state policies that create opportunities for newcomers to restart their lives and thrive. Over the last year, however, there has been a significant uptick in the number of anti-refugee/asylum bills, with more than 60 introduced since January this year.
In response to requests for assistance, the Refugee Advocacy Lab, International Refugee Assistance Project, International Rescue Committee, and the American Immigration Council have developed a new resource to assist advocates, local resettlement agencies, and partners in the field to combat anti-refugee/asylum legislation.
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PLEASE NOTE, this resource is not meant to be disseminated broadly, and should only be shared with trusted allies and partners. To request a copy of the toolkit, please fill out this form.
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#LETASYLUMSEEKERSWORK CAMPAIGN
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The Lab is partnering with more than 60 organizations nationwide to champion the House Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act (ASWAA), a bi-partisan bill that would reduce the 180-day waiting period for work permits to 30 days, allowing asylum seekers to support themselves and their families much sooner and at the same time fill critical labor shortages across the country.
It’s a win-win-win for people seeking safety, the communities welcoming them, and the economy. That’s why more than 1,800 business leaders, faith leaders, state and local elected officials, and asylum seekers have come together to share a strong message: let asylum seekers work! We hope you will join us.
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Are you a business leader who would like to learn more about the work permit process? Join Refugees International, the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association this Friday for a Work Permit 101 webinar – register here!
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State Roundup:
International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
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There have been 141 pro-refugee bills introduced so far this session in states across the country, including several in Lab states. For a complete review of state legislative activity, you can view the IRC’s 2024 State Legislative Tracker.
A big focus this year has been on International Medical Graduate (IMG) bills – legislation that makes it easier for doctors to practice in the United States. Different states have taken different approaches, and we’re excited to support these bills in the following Lab states:
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This legislative session, a bi-partisan bill was introduced that would create a new pathway to practice for IMGs. Dadwood and Wazhma Rateb, Afghan doctors resettled in Atlanta, are just two of many IMGs in Georgia who would benefit from this bill:
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“Our goal now is to help American people. Just as they helped us.”
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The bill received a positive hearing in the Senate, continued to advance through the state legislature, and ultimately passed out of the House. Though the state session ended before the Senate could vote on the bill, the Lab and the Center for Victims of Torture look forward to getting back to work next year.
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Work continues on planning advocacy support around an IMG initiative in Michigan introduced in March. Two related House bills have been introduced (House Bills 5612 and 5613), with plans for Senate versions to come later in the year.
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The Lab continues to support IMG legislation with companion bills in the House and the Senate that would amend the licensing requirements for international medical graduates, providing a pathway for immigrant and refugee professionals to practice in their new communities.
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A bill that provides a pathway to practice for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) has advanced unanimously through the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Youngkin. This bill, championed by Delegate Kathy Tran and supported by the Lab, Church World Service, World Education Services, Their Story is Our Story and many others, goes into effect July 1, 2024.
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Thanks for reading!
Are you interested in state advocacy or Lab resources? Reach out.
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The Refugee Advocacy Lab partners with varying groups on different activities, and as such, partnership with the Lab does not necessarily imply a partner’s support for any specific activity or policy. Similarly, the Lab does not necessarily support or endorse specific activities or positions of partner organizations.
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