Trump Administration Cuts Asylum Seekers’ Work Permits to 18 Months

BREAKING: The Trump administration has just announced a dramatic reduction in work permit duration for asylum seekers and foreign nationals in the U.S. Work permits will now only be valid for 18 months instead of the previous five years, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This change, revealed on Thursday, is part of a sweeping effort to tighten immigration policies in light of recent violent incidents involving Afghan nationals.

The decision comes in response to the tragic shooting on November 26, 2025, when Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly attacked two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., resulting in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and leaving another service member critically injured. USCIS Director Joe Edlow stated that the new measures aim to enhance public safety and ensure thorough vetting of those seeking to work in the United States.

Under the revised policy, the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) will be shortened for individuals granted asylum, refugees, and those with pending applications for various immigration statuses. This shift will affect applications submitted or pending after December 5, 2025.

Since the attack, the Trump administration has significantly tightened asylum applications, particularly from 19 high-risk countries. Edlow emphasized the need for rigorous vetting procedures to prevent future threats, stating, “My primary responsibility is to ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.”

The USCIS’s decision has sparked immediate debate over its implications for asylum seekers and the broader immigration system. Advocates argue that limiting work permits could further complicate the already challenging situation for individuals fleeing violence and persecution.

In addition to the recent measures, federal officials have also arrested several Afghan nationals involved in alleged violent acts, including Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, who faced charges related to bomb threats, and Jaan Shah Safi, arrested for purportedly supporting ISIS-K.

As the situation continues to develop, stakeholders are closely monitoring how these changes will impact both asylum seekers and U.S. immigration policy as a whole. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as it affects thousands of individuals seeking refuge in the United States.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.