The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new rule aimed at tightening screening procedures for asylum seekers and reducing what officials describe as fraudulent claims filed to obtain work authorization in the United States.
According to DHS, the proposed changes would modify eligibility requirements for employment authorization for migrants with pending asylum cases. The agency says the move is intended to discourage “frivolous or fraudulent” asylum applications and help reduce growing backlogs in the immigration system.
“For too long, a fraudulent asylum claim has been an easy path to working in the United States, overwhelming our immigration system with meritless applications,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson added that the administration is seeking to overhaul the asylum system and restore what it called integrity to the vetting and work authorization process.
The rule would allow immigration officials to focus more resources on reviewing asylum applications and addressing backlog cases. DHS says it would prioritize applicants who are genuinely seeking protection from persecution or danger in their home countries.
Officials noted that applications for employment authorization tied to pending asylum cases have reached record levels, placing strain on resources at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The agency currently has more than 1.4 million pending affirmative asylum claims, according to DHS.
The proposed rule also supports Executive Order 14159, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, issued by Donald Trump.
If finalized, the rule would change filing and eligibility requirements for migrants seeking employment authorization while their asylum cases are under review. DHS says the measure is designed to reduce incentives for migrants to submit asylum applications solely to gain the ability to work in the United States.
