USCIS slashes work permit validity from five years to 18 months in major immigration policy shift affecting thousands of noncitizen workers across America.

The Trump administration said it would reduce the period of time that work permits are valid for refugees, asylees and other immigrants granted legal protections in the U.S.

The new rule, effective December 5, 2025, means more frequent renewals, longer backlogs, and a higher risk that applicants could lose their ability to work while waiting for approvals.

The Trump administration shortened the work permit duration for asylum-seekers on Thursday, citing security concerns with immigrant populations. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy manual to cut the validity period for employment authorization documents from five years to 18 months.

Shorter work permit expiration timelines will impact asylum seekers and other migrants in need of humanitarian relief, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said.

The Trump Administration is pausing pending immigration applications from 19 countries, including Somalia, as immigration enforcement activity increases in the Twin Cities.

The sweeping changes affect everyone, not just those from high-risk countries, and apply across all I-589 asylum cases

Experts told Newsweek that the policy may result in extended processing times.

The US has cut asylum and refugee work permits to 18 months and paused immigration benefits for 19 nations as USCIS increases security vetting after a DC shooting.