US Issues a Million Work Permits a Year, Illegal Immigrants Top Receivers

Almost 5.5 million work permits were issued by the government since 2009. A million went to illegal immigrants. For 1.7 million we’re not sure who got them.

In this June 15, 2012 file photo, Ricky Campos, 23, of Silver Spring, Md., left, Katye Hernandez, 22, both illegal immigrants originally from El Salvador, who live in Silver Spring, Md., hold signs saying "Thank You President Obama" in Washington, D.C. The group Casa de Maryland, rallied outside the White House in Washington in support of the president's announcement that the U.S. government will stop deporting and begin granting work permits to younger illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. by their parents when they were children, known as "Dreamers." Thousands of "Dreamers" are deciding if they will apply for DACA, or deferred action program, costing $465 dollars. Due to the price, some may wait for comprehensive immigration reform that might grant them legal residency. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File

Almost 5.5 million work permits were issued by the U.S. government since 2009, shows data obtained by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) in a Freedom of Information Act request

About one million of the permits, and possibly more, went to illegal immigrants, according to the CIS, a non-profit advocating for lower immigration.

Since 2012, over 600,000 illegal immigrants enjoy protection from deportation through President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action (DACA) program. They entered the country before turning 16 and are eligible for 2-year work permits. The permits can be renewed.

There are several other situations when an illegal immigrant receives a work permit. Even if facing deportation, such person can apply for a deferral and a work permit if, for example, a child or spouse in the United States relies on him or her for support.

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