Immigration

DHS Proposes New Rule to Strengthen Screening of Asylum Seekers and Prioritize U.S. Security

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new proposed regulation aimed at strengthening national security by improving the screening process for asylum seekers. The initiative targets widespread misuse of the asylum system and seeks to ensure that limited federal resources are dedicated to individuals with legitimate protection needs.

According to DHS officials, fraudulent asylum claims have long been used as an easy way for undocumented migrants to obtain employment authorization in the United States. The proposed rule is designed to restore integrity to both the asylum process and the work authorization system by limiting eligibility for those filing non-meritorious or abusive applications.

The agency reports that more than 1.4 million asylum cases are currently pending—one of the largest backlogs in the history of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This unprecedented volume has placed significant strain on processing times across multiple immigration programs.

Under the proposed rule, DHS would revise several eligibility conditions for work permits based on pending asylum claims. The goal is to remove incentives for individuals who file asylum applications solely to access work authorization, allowing USCIS to focus its efforts on applicants genuinely fleeing persecution or danger.

The proposal also supports Executive Order 14159, which emphasizes enhanced security measures and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the American public while addressing unlawful migration pressures.

A 60-day public comment period will open upon publication in the Federal Register, giving the public, immigration advocates, and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback before the rule is finalized.