When I first started practicing immigration law, I was shocked to learn that many undocumented folks had Social Security Numbers or Tax IDs through which they have been paying taxes for 10-20 years! Now that immigration rules have tightened, drivers licenses cannot get renewed, employers cannot hire their regular workers because they can’t clear through the E verify system, and, in a way, everyone suffers when these folks who previously were productive members of society and taxpayers can no longer earn a living. If your friend or colleague is having problems keeping many of their loyal workers on the books, please let them know there may be options. Many times, a person might be eligible for a legitimate path to status or work authorization. For example, young adults who were brought to the United States by their parents before age 16 and completed high school (or G.E.D) are eligible to remain in the U.S. and work for renewable 2-year periods. If there is a pathway to help folks step out of the darkess and into the light, I will find it.
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