Trump Administration Proposes Strict Limits on Asylum Work Permits

The Department of Homeland Security proposed a new rule on February 21 to significantly restrict work permits for asylum seekers. The administration aims to curb fraudulent claims and reduce a backlog of more than 1.4 million pending applications.

Under the proposal, the issuance of work permits would be paused until average processing times for certain asylum applications drop to 180 days or lower. The administration estimates that reaching this threshold could take between 14 and 173 years. The plan also proposes extending the waiting period for permit eligibility from 150 days to 365 days.

Additionally, the rule would bar migrants who entered the United States illegally from obtaining permits unless they notify authorities of their fear of persecution within 48 hours of crossing the border. The administration maintains that work permits are not an entitlement and are issued at the discretion of the DHS secretary.