A proposed US immigration rule backed by the Trump administration could effectively block work authorization for asylum seekers indefinitely, according to a coalition of state attorneys general who have urged federal officials to withdraw the plan.California Attorney General Rob Bonta has led a group of states opposing 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 increase the waiting time for asylum seekers to apply for a work permit from six months to one year. After that, processing may take 30 to 180 days.The proposal would also halt all new work permit applications if the asylum process takes more than 180 days. Officials say such delays can last for years, effectively preventing asylum seekers from obtaining work permits indefinitely.In a public statement, Bonta said the move would hurt both individuals and the broader economy.Attorney General Bonta said, “Asylum seekers need a fair and efficient system that allows them to work legally while awaiting a decision on their applications for asylum, which will allow them to contribute to our communities and build lives.”He added: “I am committed to protecting and empowering immigrants to support their families and help our communities thrive, while protecting California’s economic and humanitarian interests from the unfair barriers created by the Trump Administration. Once again, the federal government has taken drastic action – indefinitely halting critical legal action authorizations for asylum seekers, which will have serious consequences. “I strongly oppose this proposed rule.”According to the coalition letter, the policy could leave asylum seekers unable to work legally, increasing the risk of exploitation, financial hardship and instability. States warned it would also hurt local economies, reducing tax revenues, increasing health care costs and placing additional strain on public services and law enforcement.They estimate that the economic impact of the loss of annual compensation for asylum seekers could reach $126.6 billion.The Attorney General argues that the rule will harm physical and mental health, food security, housing stability, and access to health care and legal services, while forcing some individuals into unsafe working conditions.The coalition also claims that the proposal violates US administrative law, saying it is “arbitrary and capricious” because it ignores evidence and fails to accurately 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 yet been finalized, and DHS has not withdrawn it, but it now faces legal and political opposition from several states.
