On February 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at reforming Employment Authorization for asylum applicants. This proposal outlines changes to the current I-765(c)(8) Asylum Employment Authorization Document (EAD) program, which has been under scrutiny due to high application volumes and processing demands.
Key Details:
- The NPRM suggests pausing acceptance of asylum-based work permit applications when affirmative asylum processing times exceed 180 days.
- The waiting period to apply for an asylum-based work permit would be extended from 180 days to 365 days.
- Processing times for asylum-based work permits would increase from 30 days to 180 days.
- New ineligibility grounds for asylum-based work permits are also proposed.
These proposed changes could significantly impact asylum seekers by extending the time they must wait for work authorization, potentially affecting their ability to support themselves while their claims are processed. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: Jonathan Micale