The U.S. government has announced significant changes to its immigration policies, focusing on work permit restrictions for asylum seekers and refugees. This decision aims to enhance security and improve the vetting processes for these individuals.
New Work Permit Rules for Immigrants
Under the new guidelines implemented by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), work permits for refugees, asylees, and other legally protected immigrants will now be valid for a maximum of 18 months. Previously, these permits were issued for up to five years.
Reason for Change
The announcement followed a violent incident involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow linked the change to the need for enhanced public safety measures. The new rules will require more frequent vetting of immigrants as they apply for work permit renewals.
- • Work permits reduced from 5 years to 18 months.
- • Applies to asylum seekers and other immigrants.
- • Aimed at improving security and vetting processes.
Impact of Recent Events
This policy shift comes after an attack that left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured. The suspect, an Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in September 2021 and had his asylum application approved in April 2025. The Trump administration’s response to this incident includes a broader immigration crackdown.
Broader Immigration Restrictions
Besides restricting work permits, the administration has frozen all asylum requests managed by USCIS. Visa applications from Afghan nationals have been paused, and all legal immigration cases are on hold for citizens of the 19 countries included in Trump’s earlier “travel ban.”
As of December 5, the new work permit requirements apply to all applications submitted after this date, as well as those pending at that time. Discussions are also ongoing about potentially expanding the travel ban to include up to 30 countries.
The Trump administration’s actions reflect a heightened focus on controlling immigration pathways in response to security concerns, following severe incidents of violence.
