The Department of Homeland Security announced on Friday a proposed rule to restrict work permits for asylum seekers, aiming to discourage fraudulent claims.
The proposal targets a system DHS says has become an easy path to U.S. employment, with 1.4 million pending asylum applications overwhelming immigration resources.
“For too long, a fraudulent asylum claim has been an easy path to working in the United States, overwhelming our immigration system with meritless applications,” said a DHS Spokesperson. “We are proposing an overhaul of the asylum system to enforce the rules and reduce the backlog we inherited from the prior administration.”
The spokesperson added that “Aliens are not entitled to work while we process their asylum applications.”
Under current rules, asylum seekers can apply for work authorization while their cases are pending. The proposed changes would alter filing requirements and eligibility criteria for these permits.
DHS officials say nearly every person who enters the country illegally attempts to exploit the asylum system.
The agency’s pending caseload equals New Hampshire’s entire population.
The rule supports President Trump’s Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” If finalized, it would allow U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to focus resources on processing existing asylum backlogs.
“The Trump administration is strengthening the vetting of asylum applicants and restoring integrity to the asylum and work authorization processes,” the spokesperson said.
Applications for employment authorization based on pending asylum claims have reached historic highs, according to DHS. The department frames the changes as necessary to help genuine refugees while deterring those seeking only work opportunities.
The proposal enters a 60-day public comment period following its publication in the Federal Register. It is scheduled for publication on February 23, 2026.