USCIS Reduces Work Permit Validity for Refugees and Asylees to 18 Months

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a reduction in the validity period of work permits for refugees, asylees, and other immigrants granted legal protections, decreasing it from five years to 18 months. This policy change also affects individuals with pending applications for asylum or permanent residency.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that the adjustment aims to ensure that those seeking employment in the United States do not pose threats to public safety or promote harmful ideologies. He emphasized the necessity for more frequent vetting of immigrants, especially in light of recent security incidents.

The new policy applies to work permit applications filed after December 5, as well as those pending as of that date. This measure is part of a broader effort by the administration to tighten immigration procedures and enhance national security.