Trump Admin Cuts Asylum Work Permits to Just 18 Months

UPDATE: The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in the validity of work permits for asylum seekers, now limited to just 18 months instead of the previous 5 years. This decision, confirmed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Thursday, is set to impact thousands of foreign nationals seeking humanitarian protection in the United States.

This urgent move comes in the wake of a recent attack on National Guard members by an Afghan national, which has heightened concerns over the vetting process for asylum applicants. USCIS Director Joe Edlow stated, “Reducing the maximum validity period for employment authorization will ensure that those seeking to work in the United States do not threaten public safety.”

Under the new regulations, the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) will be scaled back for individuals admitted as refugees, granted asylum, or those with pending applications for various humanitarian protections. This change affects all applications filed on or after December 5, 2025.

The announcement follows the tragic incident on November 26, when Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., resulting in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and leaving Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe critically injured. These events have prompted a reevaluation of immigration policies, particularly concerning individuals from 19 countries deemed “high-risk.”

Edlow emphasized the importance of thorough vetting, saying, “My primary responsibility is to ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.” This announcement marks a pivotal shift in immigration policy during an already contentious period for asylum seekers in the U.S.

The tightening of work permit regulations is part of a broader crackdown on immigration processes initiated by the Trump administration, which has been under scrutiny for its handling of the resettlement program for Afghan allies. The Operation Allies Welcome initiative, launched under the Biden administration, has faced criticism from Trump officials for allegedly failing to properly vet Afghan entrants.

As this situation develops, those seeking asylum in the U.S. will need to navigate a more complex and uncertain landscape. The implications of these changes are significant, potentially impacting the livelihoods of many individuals who rely on work permits while their asylum applications are processed.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story, as the administration continues to adjust its immigration policies in response to national security concerns.