This issue is deeply personal to me. As an immigrant, along with my parents, and with a brother on the verge of immigrating in two weeks, I understand firsthand the struggles faced by those seeking refuge in this country. Many of my friends and their families are either first generation immigrants or are currently navigating the immigration process. The reality is that any one of us could find ourselves in a situation where we need to seek refuge.

Our current system does not provide adequate support for refugees who are trying to build new lives here. They face long waits for work permits, short-term shelter arrangements, temporary protected status periods that end too soon, and a difficult path towards permanent residence.

I am calling on our government to streamline these processes so that refugees can quickly obtain work permits and secure longer stays at their shelters or under temporary protected status. It's also crucial that we make strides towards making permanent residence more accessible.

In addition to these changes within our immigration system itself, I urge improvements be made to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mobile app. This tool has great potential as an aid for migrants seeking legal entry into the US but it needs enhancements in terms of accessibility and functionality.

According to data from Migration Policy Institute (MPI), there were approximately 44.9 million immigrants residing in the U.S as of 2019 - about 13.7% of our total population (MPI). These individuals contribute significantly to our society across various sectors yet they continue facing systemic barriers which hinder their progress.

Let's strive for an immigration process that is fairer, more efficient and more accommodating - because every individual deserves a chance at creating a better life without undue hardship or delay.
Please sign this petition if you believe in improving conditions for refugees seeking asylum here; your signature can make all difference!