Immigration plays a critical role in the economy of Louisiana and the United States. Immigrant workers are necessary to fill many roles in different industries that require extensive experience, special skills or specific knowledge in a field. Temporary workers who are already working in the U.S. on the basis of previously obtained work permits are facing the risk that they will lose their protected status after negotiations on the matter stalled this week.
Will they lose their right to work?
Many of these workers are from Nicaragua, Honduras, Nepal and El Salvador, and they have the necessary permits to reside and work in the United States. Approximately 300,000 workers stand to lose their states, even though some of these immigrant workers have had their permits for decades. They requested an extension of their temporary protected status, but discussions with the government on the matter broke down.
Lawyers representing the workers and their families have been hoping to reach an out-of-court resolution. However, after negotiations failed, the immigrant workers will be returning to court to fight for their right to stay and work in the country. For many of these workers, it would be too dangerous to return to their home countries should they lose their protected status.
Fighting for the ability to work
If a Louisiana immigrant worker loses his or her protected status, it can result in that individual being removed from the country. Those who have temporary protected status or who are seeking work permits will benefit from having legal guidance as they pursue their immigration goals. This guidance is essential for one to avoid setbacks and unnecessary complications while seeking a specific outcome to an immigration case.