The long wait for work authorization

For Nathalia*, a survivor of human trafficking and mother trying to provide for her family, the wait for work authorization was already a strain. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Nathalia*, a mother in the Bronx and survivor of human trafficking, was waiting for work authorization after applying for immigration relief with the help of a Her Justice pro bono attorney. Like many undocumented survivors, she faced years of uncertainty while unable to work legally.

The pandemic made an already precarious situation even worse. As jobs disappeared and undocumented workers were excluded from federal stimulus aid, Nathalia struggled to provide for her children. Without work authorization, survivors are often forced into unstable, unprotected jobs where they remain vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

Despite these challenges, Nathalia and her Her Justice attorney fought hard to get her the benefits she deserved. In the fall of 2020, she finally received her work permit, opening the door to safe, legal employment. Today, she can support her family without fear of exploitation, deportation, or separation. With that foundation, Nathalia can build financial independence while continuing her journey toward lawful permanent residence.