February 20, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a controversial proposal that would significantly restrict asylum seekers’ access to work permits, a move that could reshape immigration policy and deepen humanitarian concerns across the U.S.–Mexico border and beyond. The proposal, announced by the Trump administration, would suspend eligibility for work authorization for many asylum applicants during the pendency of their cases — a departure from existing rules that allow employment while claims are processed.
Under the current system, individuals who file for asylum can apply for permission to work in the United States if their cases remain unresolved after a specified waiting period. But the new proposal part of what DHS describes as a “sweeping set of reforms” aimed at curbing irregular migration and speeding up case adjudication would halt that pathway temporarily, effectively forcing asylum seekers to remain without legal employment authorization throughout much of their time in the immigration system.
According to the DHS announcement, the proposal is intended to reduce perceived pull factors that encourage migrants to cross into the United States and claim asylum a political priority framed by the administration as part of broader border security and immigration control efforts. Officials argue that limiting access to work authorization will deter abusive or fraudulent claims while encouraging more rapid departures for those whose cases are denied.
Advocates for migrant rights have criticised the measure as disproportionately punitive, warning that it would leave vulnerable asylum seekers in limbo without the legal means to support themselves or their families. Many asylum applicants already face protracted wait times often months or years for case resolution, and the loss of access to work permission could drive individuals into economic hardship and precarious informal labour. Humanitarian organisations have labelled the proposal a “regressive step” that undermines both human rights norms and the United States’ obligations under international asylum law.
Legal experts also highlight possible challenges to the new rule, noting that previous restrictions on asylum seekers’ work authorization have been subject to judicial scrutiny. Courts in the United States have historically ruled against aspects of immigration policy perceived to unfairly punish those seeking refuge, especially where procedural due process concerns arise.
The proposal is now open to public comment and review, as per regulatory procedures, and could face modifications before any final rule is enacted. Immigration advocates and civil liberties groups have vowed to challenge the policy, promising litigation should the suspension of work permits be formalised.
The debate over asylum policy comes amid broader discussions in Washington over border security, migrant flows, and legal immigration pathways issues that continue to dominate national politics and spark deep disagreement among policymakers, advocacy groups, and international observers.