Obtaining a work permit is one of the most pressing issues facing many of the more than 5 million undocumented aliens who are presently living in the U.S. A work permit is the common term used to describe what the government usually refers to as an EAD or employment authorization document. Without a work permit or EAD you’re not able to join the regular workforce in the U.S. – your only option is to work off the books as part of the underground economy.
You really have to be careful how you go about getting a work permit. There are many people out there who prey on the immigrant community and make promises about what they can deliver or provide. They will take your money and not deliver or else they will deliver you something without explaining the legal risks that are involved. That’s why we always caution people about why it’s important to speak with a licensed attorney who can provide you with a clear understanding about the way the U.S. immigration system works, and help you make good choices for yourself based on the facts and circumstances faced by you and your family.
One of the most common misconceptions in the immigrant community is that you can just apply for a work permit or EAD in and of itself. That’s not the way the system works in the U.S. A work permit or EAD is issued by the government as an interim document when a person submits an application for some other kind of legal status to remain in the U.S. Basically this means that in order to get a work permit you first need to apply either for asylum or a Greed Card. Once you submit an application for asylum or a Green Card, it usually it takes about 180 until you will receive your interim work permit or EAD.
The problem is that you have to carefully consider what the best course of action is for you to take. Once you submit an application for asylum or a Green Card, it starts a formal government process to review your situation to see if you qualify for permanent resident status.
Typically we start by conducting a thorough interview with every new client, to hear your personal and family history. We need that information in order to figure out the best approach for you to take – whether there is any realistic basis on which to base a claim for either a Green Card or asylum. You need to be careful about how you proceed with any application in order to avoid a bad outcome.
So please be careful about the advice that you hear out on the street corner. If you are looking for a work permit, you really should speak with a qualified lawyer who can help you make the right choice. Please contact us if you would like to speak with one of our lawyers to learn more about your rights and options.