DHS Proposes Stricter Work Permit Rules for Parole, Deferred Status and Deportation Cases to Protect U.S. Workers

The Department of Homeland Security proposed new restrictions on work permits for noncitizens holding humanitarian parole, non-DACA deferred status, or facing potential deportation. The yet-unpublished Federal Register filing would require applicants to prove economic need, pass enhanced background checks, and satisfy stricter case-by-case criteria.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services processed 978,308 applications in the affected categories during 2024. The filing would cap most permits at one year and require renewal applicants to work only for employers enrolled in the federal E-Verify system. Work authorization would be eliminated for most immigrants with final removal orders who remain in the United States under supervision.

It would be granted only in rare cases where DHS determines no country will accept the individual for deportation. Arrests, convictions, or evidence of gang or terrorist ties would generally disqualify applicants unless a compelling public interest exists, such as cooperation with law enforcement.

U.S. Workers and wages, and ensure immigration laws are strictly enforced. The changes continue a series of DHS adjustments to the legal immigration system over the past 18 months, including revocations of Temporary Protected Status and modifications to some green card application procedures. Newsweek contacted DHS for comment Thursday morning.

The rule has not taken effect. It remains subject to a 60-day public comment period before any final version can be issued.