FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: It was a model of efficiency. A work permit clinic that organizers want replicated and scaled up. For two weeks, a lower Manhattan office space served as an example of how government, immigrant advocates and volunteers can pool resources to help migrants tackle the daunting process of applying for work authorization. It was the first time that New York city, state and federal workers had collaborated to guide people through submitting applications for employment authorization documents, or EADs, on site, organizers told Playbook exclusively. “This is what we’ve been asking for: For every level of government to come together and to work with community partners and to support our newest New Yorkers in a way in which we had been envisioning since the first buses started arriving here,†said Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition. The pop-up clinic screened 2,000 people — some arriving for their appointments proudly wearing their Sunday best — and got 1,700 applied for work permits. The NYIC and Immigrant ARC coordinated it with other organizations, helped by 100 volunteers, including lawyers. The city identified migrants in its shelters who are eligible for work permits and made the appointments. The state provided the 25 Beaver Street space and supplies. And the federal government waived application fees, captured biometrics and took the forms for processing. No mailing necessary. The clinic closed last week. Scaling it up would take substantial planning, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services playing a crucial role and perhaps nonprofits to again take the lead, organizers said. There are smaller such efforts around the city and state, though with not as many hands on deck. But 25 Beaver Street was a glimpse into a new phase, one of fewer migrants in shelters and more of them working. “It’s not a social service,†Camille Mackler, executive director of Immigrant ARC, told Playbook. “It’s actually an economic investment because, whatever their reasons for coming here, they want to work.†She added of the people who came through the clinic: “Folks felt like they were finally doing something to actually help them move their life forward and out of this limbo that they’ve been in.†— Emily Ngo HAPPY FRIDAY. Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman. WHERE’S KATHY? In Albany with no public schedule. WHERE’S ERIC? Calling in to “The Reset Talk Show†on Good Music, Good Times LIVE, meeting with Bill Clinton, welcoming new employees to the Mayor’s Office, speaking at a Manhattan synagogue’s shabbat service in solidarity with Israel, appearing on Univision New York. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This is petty. This is petty. And I’m getting frickin’ tired of it.†— Rep. Nicole Malliotakis on the food fight among Republicans trying to settle on a House speaker, which fell into further disarray when Rep. Steve Scalise dropped out of the running Thursday night.
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