ELCA Action Alert: Protect Employment Authorization for Those Seeking Asylum

Please take action on the below alert by this Friday, April 24th! Our friends at Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) shared the below around advocating for asylum seekers:

On Feb. 23, 2026, the U.S. government announced a proposed rule that would effectively shut down access to work permits for asylum seekers. Under this rule, according to the government’s own estimate, it could take up to 173 years before new work permit applications are accepted again. The rule would also make some renewals harder for those who already have work permits, and it offers no plan to fix the massive asylum backlog that created these delays in the first place. 

This rule is not final. From now until Apr. 24, 2026, the government is accepting public comments on the proposal. By law, every unique, substantive comment must be read and addressed before the rule can move forward. 

You have the opportunity to act in two ways:

1. Submit a public comment on the proposal via Global Refuge’s online tool until Apr. 24, 2026. You can read the ELCA’s public comment here.

2. Use this ELCA Action Center form to call on members of Congress to raise their voices to oppose this rule and speak out against its implementation, ensuring that those seeking safety will retain the ability to meet their needs in our communities.

Personalize your public comment and message to Congress to oppose this rule and speak out against its implementation, ensuring that those seeking safety will retain the ability to meet their needs in our communities.

If you want to craft a separate email from the form letters, you can find your members of Congress here.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment