A coalition including Chicago business, faith and municipal leaders announced a nationwide campaign to press the White House to extend work permits to undocumented immigrants who are long-term residents of the U.S.
“I remain steady in my belief that a more inclusive and equitable future for all residents is truly possible, whether they arrived here yesterday or have been here for an extended period of time,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said during an April 4 presentation of the Here to Work project.
Johnson said he will send a letter signed by county executives and mayors around the country urging President Joe Biden to grant work permits to undocumented immigrants, especially those who have been living in the U.S. for many years. Support already has come from cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Denver, New York, San Francisco and Seattle.
Brandon Johnson
“We cannot waver in our commitment to the immigrant communities. There are forces that are also looking to divide us, but not under my watch. There’s enough here for everyone. There are clear economic benefits to enabling immigrant communities to work,” Johnson said.
The same day Johnson and other Chicago leaders outlined their initiative, the Biden administration announced work permit extensions for some immigrants already legally employed in the U.S., including asylum seekers and green card holders.
“Authorization will be increased from up to 180 days to up to 540 days from the expiration date stated on their…
