Trump Shortens Work Permits
The Trump administration has announced a major tightening of immigration rules, reducing the duration of work permits for asylum-seekers and other migrant groups. Officials say this change is necessary to protect national security and strengthen vetting procedures—an issue that continues to concern millions of Americans.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy to shorten work permits from five years down to 18 months, ensuring more frequent security screenings.
This shift affects refugees, individuals granted asylum, migrants who received deportation relief, and those still waiting for green card approval.
A National Security Move Backed by Trump Officials
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow explained that the updated rules are designed to keep dangerous individuals from exploiting the system.
Edlow said the shorter work permit window helps ensure that individuals seeking employment in the U.S. undergo regular security checks so they don’t pose risks to public safety or spread anti-American beliefs.
He referenced a recent attack in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard service members were shot by an Afghan national who entered the country under President Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome program. The suspect—later granted asylum under the Trump administration—highlighted gaps in the screening process.
Edlow stressed that this incident shows why frequent vetting is essential:
“After the attack on National Guard service members, it’s even more clear USCIS must conduct routine vetting of foreign nationals.”
USCIS Freezes Immigration Benefits for 19 High-Risk Countries
In response to security concerns, USCIS has issued a temporary pause on immigration benefit requests from people originating from 19 high-risk countries, regardless of when they arrived in the United States.
The affected countries are:
Venezuela, Laos, Eritrea, Iran, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Libya, Cuba, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Burma, Haiti, Somalia, Chad, Yemen, Sudan, and the Republic of Congo.
Officials say this pause will allow security agencies to review cases more carefully and prevent individuals with dangerous backgrounds from slipping through the system.
A Clear Shift Toward Stronger Border and Homeland Security
Under President Trump, immigration enforcement has become a top priority. The administration has focused heavily on:
- Tightening asylum rules
- Increasing background checks
- Blocking loopholes that allow individuals to remain in the U.S. without proper vetting
- Prioritizing public safety and national security
For many conservative Americans—especially older voters concerned about crime, terrorism, and border security—these new measures reaffirm the administration’s commitment to protecting the country.
This policy change reflects a broader strategy: secure the border, restore order, and put American safety first.
