Immigration (Work Authorization)

This bill allows individuals who have filed for asylum under federal law (8 U.S.C. § 1158) to work in New York State. It directs the state labor commissioner to create rules enabling these asylum seekers to obtain work authorization. The policy directly affects people who have applied for asylum but lack federal work permits, providing them access to employment in New York. The bill establishes a state-level mechanism for work eligibility without changing federal asylum procedures.

Directs the comptroller to withhold certain payments to be made to the federal government until asylum seekers in the custody of the city of New York are granted documentation or authorization for employment.

Prohibits employers from using the federal electronic employment verification system to check the employment authorization status of an existing employee or an applicant who has not been offered employment and prohibits municipalities from requiring employers to use the federal electronic employment verification system.

This bill (A 4428) requires New York's Commissioner of Labor to create and maintain a public website with information about workers' rights under state and federal law, regardless of immigration status - including union organizing rights. It mandates that employers provide this information to all employees by August 1, 2027, in English and any language spoken by at least 5% of their workforce, posting it visibly at workplaces and making it accessible via mobile apps or online. The bill also requires outreach to immigrant workers through hotlines, legal resources, and materials at shelters and immigration centers, with penalties of $500 for non-compliance (after a warning for first offenses). It directly affects immigrant workers, employers, and state agencies like the Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs.