Tue Dec 09 01:10:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

USCIS Shortens Work Permit Validity, Citing Security Concerns

Washington D.C. – In a move that’s expected to significantly impact immigrants awaiting green card decisions, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a policy change on December 4, 2025, reducing the maximum validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) – commonly known as work permits – from five years to just 18 months. The change went into effect December 5th.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow linked the decision to national security concerns, referencing a recent attack on National Guard members allegedly carried out by an Afghan national granted asylum. “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,” Edlow stated.

The new policy means immigrants, who rely on EADs to legally work while their green card applications are processed, will now face more frequent renewal requirements. While existing EADs retain their original validity, all renewals from December 5th onward will be capped at 18 months.

Critics argue that the change will strain USCIS resources, increase processing times, and create potential gaps in employment authorization, ultimately impacting job stability for affected individuals. Rahul Reddy, founding partner of Reddy Neumann Brown, expressed concern that the move could exacerbate existing delays and negatively impact lawful applicants.

President Donald Trump, via Truth Social, echoed Edlow’s sentiments, stating the change aims to reduce “illegal and disruptive populations.”

This change could also lead to increased administrative burdens for employers, who will need to update their compliance procedures to account for more frequent I-9 reverifications of their employees’ work status.

Affected individuals are advised to seek legal counsel and regularly check the USCIS website for updates.

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