Attorney General Ford Challenges Trump Administration's Limit on Immigrant Work Authorization

Attorney General Aaron D. Ford joined 16 other attorneys general Monday in opposing a proposed Trump Administration rule that would eliminate work authorization for nearly all immigrants who were released under orders of supervision. 

Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Rhode Island are all a part of the coalition. 

Currently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gives employment authorization to immigrants who are under orders of supervision so they can legally work in the U.S. 

According to U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, orders of supervision allow DHS to place conditions on and monitor those who have been released from DHS custody.

Attorney General (AG) Ford says the proposed rule will virtually eliminate their work authorization eligibility. Any still eligible have to work for employers who are part of the E-Verify program, a program many employers won't use because the program has so many issues. 

The rule could impact 17,000 families nationwide. 

The coalition argue the rule isn't justified, would violate federal law, increase the cost of social services and harm immigrant communities and state economies. 

AG Ford released a statement, saying  “In this unprecedented time due to the coronavirus, our nation is already struggling with financial hardships, keeping small businesses afloat and citizens providing for their families. The new rule proposed by the Trump Administration would not only hinder our immigrant communities in Nevada but would also put thousands of families at risk of losing what they have during this health crisis."