Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023

This bill, S 255 (Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023), changes rules for asylum seekers in the U.S. to allow them to work sooner. It directly affects individuals who file asylum applications and meet specific criteria: they must have been continuously in the U.S. since the bill's enactment (or entered at a designated port), not be in detention, have a non-frivolous claim, and complete required procedures. Under the bill, they can apply for work authorization 30 days after filing their asylum application (instead of waiting 180 days under current rules). Work permits would be valid for an initial 2 years and renewable for additional 2-year periods while their asylum case is being processed.