‘Defend immigrants’: US states oppose Trump-backed rule that could delay work permits for asylum seekers by 180 days

A proposed U.S. immigration rule backed by the Trump administration could indefinitely halt work authorization for asylum seekers, according to a coalition of state attorneys general urging federal officials to withdraw the program.California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a multi-state pushback against a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal that would change the way Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are processed for people with pending asylum cases.The rule would extend the waiting time for asylum seekers to apply for a work permit from six months to one year. Thereafter, processing may take 30 to 180 days.The proposal would also suspend all new work permit applications if asylum processing times exceed 180 days. Officials say such delays could last for years, effectively preventing asylum seekers from obtaining work permits indefinitely.Bonta said in a public statement that the move would harm individuals and the broader economy.“Asylum seekers need a fair and efficient system that allows them to work legally while awaiting decisions on their asylum claims, which will enable them to contribute to our communities and build lives,” said Attorney General Bonta.He added: “I am committed to defending and empowering immigrants to provide for their families and help our communities thrive, while protecting California’s economic and humanitarian interests from unreasonable obstacles created by the Trump administration. The federal government has once again taken draconian measures – indefinitely suspending critical legal work authorization for asylum seekers, which will have serious consequences.” I strongly oppose this proposed rule. “According to the joint letter, the policy could prevent asylum seekers from working legally, increasing their risk of exploitation, economic hardship and instability. States warn it will also impact local economies, reduce tax revenue, increase health care costs and put additional pressure on public services and law enforcement.They estimate annual compensation losses for asylum seekers could be as high as $126.6 billion.The attorney general argued that the rule would harm physical and mental health, food security, housing stability, and access to health care and legal services while forcing some people into unsafe working conditions.The coalition also claims the proposal violates U.S. administrative law, calling it “arbitrary and capricious” because it ignores evidence and fails to properly assess its impact.In addition to California, the letter is supported by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and the District of Columbia.The proposed rule has not been finalized and DHS has not withdrawn it, but it now faces legal and political opposition from multiple states.