What must an asylum applicant do in order to work in the United States?

To work in the United States, an asylum applicant is required to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This document provides legal authorization to work while the individual's asylum application is pending. An applicant can file for an EAD after their asylum application is submitted, as long as they meet certain eligibility criteria.

Filing for an EAD is an essential step because it formally grants the applicant the right to take up employment in the U.S. during the time their case is being processed. Not obtaining an EAD would mean they are not legally permitted to work, which could create financial hardships.

In contrast, simply not needing to file for an EAD would mean the applicant could work without any additional documentation, which is not the case in asylum applications. Stating that they cannot file for an EAD overlooks the process and rights that asylum seekers have under U.S. immigration regulations. Additionally, Form I-131 is related to applying for travel documents and is not relevant to the employment authorization process, thus reinforcing the need for a dedicated application for the EAD.