The United States government has shortened the validity of work permits for many migrants, reducing them from five years to just 18 months. The decision was announced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which said the move is aimed at strengthening national security and improving oversight of migrants living and working in the country.
According to ICE, the new rule affects several groups of non-citizens. These include migrants who have already been granted asylum, those with pending asylum applications, people under stay-of-deportation or detention orders, and migrants applying to adjust their status to permanent legal residency. Officials say limiting the permit duration will allow authorities to carry out more frequent security reviews.
ICE explained that the change is based on concerns about public safety and the need to prevent activities considered harmful to U.S. interests. The agency noted that shorter permits make it easier to regularly monitor migrants’ legal status and background while ensuring compliance with immigration rules.
The policy comes during a period of tighter immigration control under President Donald Trump’s administration. It follows a deadly attack in Washington, which U.S. officials have linked to the need for stronger internal security measures. The administration has argued that immigration policies must balance humanitarian protection with national security priorities.
At the same time, the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. The order challenges the long-standing constitutional interpretation that anyone born on U.S. soil automatically becomes a U.S. citizen. Trump signed the order on his first day back in office, sparking widespread legal and political debate.
Migrant rights groups and advocates have criticised the reduction in work permit length. They argue that forcing migrants to renew permits more often will increase costs, create job insecurity, and place extra pressure on asylum seekers who are already facing long processing delays.
Supporters of the policy, however, say the decision is necessary to protect the country and ensure that immigration benefits are not misused. They believe shorter permit periods give authorities better control while immigration cases are under review.
The new work permit rule reflects the growing tension in U.S. immigration policy, as the government pushes for stricter security measures while migrant communities call for stability and protection.