The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently accepting public comments on a proposed rule regarding Employment Authorization Reform for asylum applicants, published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2026. The proposed amendments aim to eliminate perceived loopholes in the current system and prioritize American jobs over asylum seekers’ work eligibility.
Key Details:
- Proposal Deadline: Public comments are due before the specified deadline outlined by USCIS.
- EAD Category Changes: The proposal suggests eliminating the (c)(8) Employment Authorization Document (EAD) category entirely, asserting that asylum seekers should not have the right to U.S. employment.
- EAD Application Freeze: A permanent freeze on all initial and renewal EAD applications is proposed until the affirmative asylum backlog drops below 100,000 cases.
- Mandatory Denial for Criminals: The proposal includes automatic denial for individuals with any criminal charges or convictions, leading to immediate referral for detention or deportation.
These proposed changes could significantly impact the ability of asylum seekers to work in the U.S., emphasizing the need for public input on the reforms. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: @HBrodude