Overview
- The policy takes effect Dec. 5 and applies to both new and pending EAD applications, while documents renewed before that date remain valid for their originally issued period.
- Covered groups include refugees, people granted asylum or withholding, applicants with pending asylum or adjustment of status, and certain cases involving suspension or cancellation of removal.
- USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said shorter validity will deter fraud and identify individuals with potentially harmful intent, citing the attack on National Guard service members in Washington, D.C.
- The update implements provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that limit work authorization for TPS holders and paroled individuals to one year or the duration of status, whichever is shorter.
- Affected workers must renew more often and undergo more frequent background checks, and El País reports the change comes alongside actions suspending affirmative asylum decisions, canceling Afghan visas, and pausing some immigration benefits.