U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is rolling back the length of time some immigrants can use an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work legally in the United States, cutting maximum validity from five years to 18 months, the agency said Thursday.
USCIS leaders framed the move as a security and integrity measure, arguing that shorter work-permit periods will require more frequent rescreening and help the agency identify fraud, identity issues, or people it considers a public-safety risk. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the change is intended to “conduct frequent vetting” and pointed to a recent attack in Washington, D.C., as an example of why the agency believes tighter review is necessary.
“Reducing the maximum validity period for employment authorization will ensure that those seeking to work in the United States do not threaten public safety or promote harmful anti-American ideologies,” Director Joseph Edlow said. “After the attack on National Guard service members in our nation’s capital by an alien who was admitted into this country by the previous administration, it’s even more clear that USCIS must conduct frequent vetting of aliens.”
Practically, that means many workers will have to renew more often, and employers could see more frequent authorization updates and potential gaps if processing times don’t keep pace.
Fox News noted that the reinstated limit applies to refugees, aliens granted asylum, and those granted withholding of deportation or removal.
It also affects aliens with pending applications for asylum or withholding of removal, as well as applicants seeking to adjust their immigration status. Those pursuing suspension of deportation, cancellation of removal, or relief under long-standing humanitarian programs fall under the same rules.
USCIS states that the change is intended to ensure the regular review of applicants whose immigration cases remain unresolved.
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