U.S. is struggling to process work permits for Florida immigrants

Some new arrivals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela haven’t been able to work for months — even as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says its working to speed up the work permit eligibility process.

An immigration program launched a year ago by the Biden administration allows 30,000 people a month to enter the United States from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Many have come to Florida thanks to diaspora communities across the state.

However, some new arrivals haven’t been able to work for months. Asylum seekers are required by law to wait 180 days before qualifying for a work permit. The process is causing stress and financial pressure for them and their sponsors.

Luis Miranda is the principal deputy assistant secretary for communications at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He spoke about the parole program Friday with Tom Hudson on The Florida Roundup.