Overview
- USCIS cut Employment Authorization Document validity from five years to 18 months for specified categories, applying to applications filed or pending from early December, and confirmed previously issued cards keep their printed expiration dates.
- A Dec. 2 USCIS memorandum paused adjudications and certain benefits for nationals of 19 countries, affecting forms such as I-485, I-90, I-131 and I-751, while accepting new filings and continuing preliminary screenings without issuing asylum decisions.
- The shorter work-permit terms cover asylum seekers, refugees, DACA and TPS beneficiaries, adjustment applicants and others, with separate one‑year limits tied to TPS or parole under HR‑1 for categories covered by that law.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the administration is evaluating an expansion of travel restrictions to more than 30 countries, with no timeline or country list released.
- USCIS and partner agencies warned that overstays and status violations will face increased scrutiny, including expedited removal, and promoted voluntary return options managed through CBP’s mobile process.