Source: Immigration Impact
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new rule that would make it more difficult for asylum applicants to receive their work permits. The regulation, if finalized, would apply to both new work permit applications and renewal applications.
Under the proposed regulation, an individual will be denied a work permit if he/she (1) entered or attempted to enter the U.S. without inspection or (2) failed to file for asylum within the one-year deadline.
Today, an asylum applicant can apply for a work permit 180 days after applying for asylum. The proposed rule extends this period from 180 to 365 days. Most asylum applicants need to work to financially support themselves and their families. This unnecessary obstacle will keep these individuals from fully integrating into society and from being able to pay for their continuing immigration issues.