Trump Administration Slashes Asylum Seekers’ Work Permits to 18 Months

BREAKING: The Trump administration has just announced a significant reduction in the validity of work permits for asylum seekers and foreign nationals in the United States. Effective immediately, work permits issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now be valid for only 18 months, down from the previous 5 years.

This urgent update follows a tragic incident involving two National Guard members who were ambushed by an Afghan national in Washington, D.C., on November 26, 2025. The new policy aims to enhance public safety and ensure that those seeking to work in the U.S. undergo rigorous vetting. 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.”

The changes specifically affect foreign nationals who have applied for asylum, withholding of removal, and other humanitarian programs. Those with applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025 will see their employment authorization documents (EAD) limited to this shorter timeframe.

This decisive action stems from heightened concerns following the attack on National Guard service members by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, which left Specialist Sarah Beckstrom dead and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe critically injured. The administration has indicated that stringent immigration processes will continue, especially for individuals from 19 countries classified as “high-risk.”

Edlow emphasized the need for thorough vetting, stating, “My primary responsibility is to ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.” The administration’s approach has intensified since the November attack, with a complete halt on immigration processes for specific high-risk nationalities.

The announcement has sparked significant reactions among immigration advocates and asylum seekers, who fear that these restrictions could severely limit opportunities for those fleeing persecution. With the timeline for work permits shrinking, the implications for thousands of asylum seekers could be profound, impacting their ability to support themselves and integrate into American society.

As the situation develops, observers will closely monitor further changes to immigration policy and their effects on vulnerable populations. The Trump administration’s focus on national security and public safety seems poised to continue shaping immigration practices in the near future.

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.