DHS Rule Could Deny Asylum Seekers Jobs for Years

CONGRESS MUST REVIEW A PROPOSED RULE THAT COULD LEAVE ASYLUM APPLICANTS WITHOUT A WAY TO SUPPORT THEMSELVES As a constituent, I am writing to urge Congressional oversight of a proposed Department of Homeland Security rule titled “Employment Authorization Reform for Asylum Applicants.” The rule would extend the waiting period for work permits from 180 days to 365 days and allow the government to stop accepting work-permit applications entirely when asylum processing times exceed 180 days. Because current processing times already exceed that threshold, this mechanism could leave many applicants without the ability to support themselves for extended periods. The asylum system currently has well over one million pending cases, meaning many applicants already wait years for decisions. LONG WORK BANS COULD CREATE ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY IMPACTS People seeking asylum are legally allowed to remain in the United States while their claims are reviewed. Preventing them from earning income could create hardship for families and increase strain on communities and service providers. At the same time, the U.S. economy continues to have millions of open jobs nationwide. Limiting work authorization in this context could worsen existing labor shortages. POLICIES THAT PREVENT SELF-SUPPORT RAISE QUESTIONS ABOUT CONGRESSIONAL INTENT Congress did not design the asylum system to leave applicants without a lawful means of supporting themselves while their cases are pending. A rule that could effectively halt work authorization therefore raises questions about whether it aligns with Congressional intent. Because this proposal could significantly change how the asylum system operates in practice, it raises issues that fall within Congress’s responsibility to oversee federal immigration policy. This issue warrants review by your immigration policy staff. CONGRESS SHOULD REVIEW THIS RULE BEFORE IT IS FINALIZED For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to: (1) Request that DHS provide detailed data on how the rule would affect processing times, employment authorization, and labor market participation. (2) Encourage Congressional hearings with testimony from DHS, employers, and immigration experts on the rule’s real-world effects. (3) Ask DHS to explain how the proposed pause on work permits would operate, including how long it could last and how many people would be affected. (4) Evaluate whether the rule is consistent with Congressional intent in allowing asylum applicants to support themselves. (5) Consider legislative or oversight measures if provisions could effectively deny work authorization for extended periods. Thank you.