The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security has published a proposed rule that would significantly tighten the renewal process for Employment Authorization Documents, or work permits, raising concerns among Bangladeshi immigrants and other communities across the United States.
The proposal would require more extensive background screening, biometric verification, and additional eligibility checks for applicants seeking to renew or obtain work permits. Federal officials say the changes aim to strengthen immigration enforcement and prevent fraud in the employment authorization system.
Who faces longer waits and stricter screening
Under the proposal, asylum applicants would face a longer waiting period before becoming eligible to apply for work authorization. The administration is also seeking to require biometric submissions for all work permit applicants, including those renewing existing permits, while expanding grounds for denial based on criminal or immigration-related concerns.
The proposed measures would affect asylum seekers, refugees, Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries, green card applicants, and spouses of certain visa holders. Policy analysts estimate that millions of workers could be impacted by the end of automatic work authorization extensions and the introduction of stricter renewal requirements.
The administration has already ended automatic extensions for many work permit holders who file timely renewal applications, a move that critics say could leave eligible immigrants unable to work legally while waiting for decisions.
Impact on Bangladeshi immigrants
Many Bangladeshis residing in the United States rely on employment authorization while pursuing asylum claims, adjusting immigration status, or awaiting the resolution of pending applications, according to immigration attorneys. The additional screening requirements and processing delays could disrupt employment and financial stability for affected families.
Immigration advocates warn that the stricter requirements could create significant delays for applicants already struggling with lengthy processing times. The changes compound concerns about the administration's broader immigration enforcement agenda.
What comes next
The proposed regulation will undergo a public comment period before the Department of Homeland Security decides whether to finalize the rule. If implemented, the new requirements could take effect later in 2026.
Advocacy groups have signaled potential legal challenges, arguing that the policy could create unnecessary barriers for immigrants who have already been vetted and authorized to work. Supporters of the proposal contend that enhanced screening is necessary to protect the integrity of the immigration system.