Work permits could change for half a million people in the U.S

Abu Sabet: The Trump administration is planning major changes to work permit policies for asylum seekers in the United States, a move that could affect roughly half a million people each year.

According to a proposal published in the Federal Register, asylum applicants would be barred from applying for work authorization for at least one year after filing their asylum claim. Currently, applicants can apply after 150 days and typically receive work permits within 180 days. The new proposal would significantly extend this waiting period.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the processing timeline for asylum-based work permit applications could also be expanded from 30 days to 180 days. In addition, applicants would be required to submit biometric information, with failure to do so potentially resulting in automatic denial.

The proposal further states that if the average adjudication time for asylum cases exceeds 180 days, USCIS would have the authority to temporarily suspend acceptance of new work permit applications a pause that officials acknowledge could last for an extended period.

It also outlines additional restrictions, including ineligibility for individuals who entered the United States unlawfully and did not express intent to seek asylum within 48 hours, those who failed to file for asylum within one year of arrival without a qualifying exception, or applicants with certain criminal or adverse records.

The Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged that the changes could leave many asylum seekers without income, potentially increasing risks of homelessness, food insecurity, or pressure to return to unsafe conditions. However, the administration argues that the policy could create more employment opportunities for American workers.

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