U.S. Shortens Work Permits for Refugees and Asylees

The U.S. government will reduce the validity of work permits for certain immigrants with legal protections. This policy change applies to refugees, people granted asylum, and several other humanitarian categories. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the change. The agency will now issue Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid for one year. Previously, these permits were valid for two years. Officials state the move will improve security by requiring more frequent background checks. They argue it will also reduce administrative errors by aligning renewal cycles with other immigration reviews. Critics, including immigrant rights groups, argue the change creates unnecessary hardship. They say it will increase fees and paperwork burdens for vulnerable populations, potentially risking their employment stability. The policy is the latest in a series of administrative actions tightening U.S. immigration rules. It does not affect the underlying legal status of the refugees or asylees.