The U.S. government doesn't provide a dime for asylum seekers not in detention, but they also can't work for at least 6 months.
— Frenemy of the Court 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇵🇸 (@flanagancan) September 17, 2022
These folks were eager to work and it sounds like they agreed to go to Mass because someone said they'd get their work permits faster that way.