USCIS Slashes Work Permit Validity to 18 Months for Protected Immigrants

The U.S. government has dramatically shortened work permit validity for vulnerable immigrant groups. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the change on December 5, 2025. The new rules affect refugees, asylees, and other legally protected individuals nationwide.

The agency cited national security concerns as the primary reason. Officials specifically referenced a recent attack in Washington, D.C. They argue more frequent vetting is now essential for public safety.

From Five Years to 18 Months: The New Policy Details

USCIS reduced the maximum Employment Authorization Document (EAD) validity from five years to just 18 months. This applies to several humanitarian categories. According to the agency’s statement, the change is effective immediately for all pending and new applications.

The policy impacts refugees and those granted asylum. It also affects immigrants with withholding of removal. People with pending asylum or green card applications are included too.

A separate change limits other groups to even shorter periods. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and parolees now face a maximum one-year validity. These changes stem from recent legislative action.

Security Concerns Drive Sweeping Immigration Shift

USCIS directly linked the policy to last week’s attack on National Guard members. Director Joseph Edlow stated frequent vetting is necessary to identify threats. The agency believes a five-year gap between security checks was too long.

Forcing renewals every 18 months creates more vetting opportunities. Officials say this helps ensure individuals do not threaten public safety. The goal is to identify and process any potential threats for removal sooner.

Immigrant advocates strongly criticize the move. They argue it will worsen existing application backlogs at USCIS. Critics also view it as a deterrent to asylum seekers and humanitarian migrants.

The USCIS work permit validity reduction marks a significant tightening of U.S. immigration policy. It prioritizes frequent security reviews over administrative efficiency for protected populations, with immediate and long-term consequences for thousands of immigrants.

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Q1: Which immigrant groups are affected by this change?

The change primarily affects refugees, asylees, and immigrants granted withholding of removal. It also impacts those with pending asylum or green card applications. These groups now have work permits valid for a maximum of 18 months.

Q2: What was the previous work permit validity period?

Previously, these protected immigrant groups could receive work permits valid for up to five years. The new policy cuts that duration by more than half. The shift represents one of the most substantial reductions in recent immigration history.

Q3: Why did USCIS make this change?

USCIS officials cited national security as the main reason. They referenced a specific attack in Washington, D.C., as justification. The agency argues shorter validity allows for more frequent security vetting of permit holders.

Q4: What is the potential impact of this policy?

Advocates warn it will create massive renewal backlogs at USCIS. It also increases financial and bureaucratic burdens on vulnerable immigrants. The change could destabilize employment for thousands of legally protected workers.

Q5: When did this policy go into effect?

The policy was announced on December 5, 2025. It applies immediately to all pending and future applications filed on or after that date. USCIS published the update in its policy manual and the Federal Register simultaneously.