TWIC Card Challenges: New Orleans

“Everyone knows that they will automatically be denied the first time they apply because of their background.” Joel Miller, 35, reflects on his arduous experience applying for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, also known as a “TWIC card.” TWIC cards are required credentials by the TSA for anyone working in secure areas of port facilities. They are a key credential for many high quality jobs in Louisiana and they are in high demand with over 525,000 jobs being tied to the state’s ports and 260,000 jobs related to the oil and gas industry that may require a valid TWIC card. Another staggering statistic is that 1 in 100 Louisianans are in prison or jail, with the state having the highest incarceration rates in the nation. There is a surplus of talent who are eager to obtain their TWIC card and meet the workforce needs, however, individuals with prior justice involvement cannot easily obtain their TWIC card.

After years of being incarcerated, Joel, like many others being released in New Orleans, was eager to restart his life, gain meaningful employment, and provide for his family upon release. Joel says that people preparing for their release want to go “offshore and get their money right” and being in one of the major port cities there are countless job opportunities.

The first time Joel applied for his TWIC card he was working a paid transitional job with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) to harness his skill set and remove barriers before joining the workforce. Most individuals in Joel’s position know that the first time you apply for the TWIC card you will be denied and have to go through the appeal process. He describes it as, “taking a gamble by putting all of your money into this process even though you don’t know if you will be successful in getting one.” Joel saved up his money to pay the $125 application fee, was denied, and started the appeal process.

However, the appeal process posed yet another barrier for Joel. He describes having to find three letters of support – one being from his parole officer and another from an employer – and then having to address discrepancies in the charges that came up during the background check. All of these pieces had to be addressed within a certain amount of time from receiving the initial denial letter from TSA – in his case, he had 60 days. Unfortunately, Joel was not successful in completing all of the appeal requirements within the timeframe granted and could not afford another $125 to start a new application.

Joel wanted to obtain his TWIC card to have stable employment for himself and his family; he was ready to go through the appeal process and demonstrate the qualifications for the credential; but even with this persistence he could not get through the process. His experience reflects the challenges faced by many formerly incarcerated individuals: Many individuals return from incarceration with limited resources including lack of housing or permanent address, limited financial means, food insecurity, and extensive supervision requirements with parole or probation.

Joel did not let this setback impact his story – Joel was hired full time at CEO New Orleans as a Site Supervisor leading the transitional work opportunities that he once received, and has now been promoted to support individuals entering the program with job coaching and retention services. Now, he is on the other side of the table, trying to help individuals with their TWIC card applications and appeals. At CEO New Orleans two individuals have been able to successfully get their TWIC card over the last year with the additional support of staff.

But the burden of the TWIC application fee and process is falling on staff and providers like CEO. CEO helps cover the initial application costs for the TWIC cards and is trying to support individuals through the appeal process. Legislation like the bipartisan TWICE Act (HR7223) introduced by Representatives Troy Carter (D-LA) and Clay Higgins (R-LA) demonstrates a commitment in making this process more accessible for justice impacted individuals. The legislation would allow people to start the process while they are currently incarcerated and provide clearer guidelines on the appeal and waiver process. Joel says, “we need to make sure people have knowledge of the system and requirements - especially the appeal process – if we want people to be successful and connected to the workforce.”