Trump Work Permit Crackdown Threatens African Asylum Seekers in US

The Trump administration is moving to block most asylum seekers from receiving work permits in the United States, a shift expected to hit African migrants hardest as they often rely on legal employment while their cases are processed.

Under the proposed rule, applicants for asylum would need to wait a full year before becoming eligible to apply for a work permit, up from the current 150 days.

Migrants who crossed the US-Mexico border without proper documentation would be excluded from work authorisation altogether, with immigration officers given wider powers to deny or revoke permits.

The move targets a growing number of African nationals who enter the US on visitor visas and later file for asylum after overstaying the permitted six-month duration.

The policy change is likely to leave many in legal limbo, unable to work while navigating a backlogged and often years-long asylum system.

Washington says the proposal is intended to curb abuse of the asylum process and deter migrants using it to gain economic opportunities rather than protection from persecution.

But immigrant advocates argue the new rule will penalise genuine asylum seekers and place vulnerable individuals at greater risk of poverty and exploitation.

The administration has already taken steps to speed up deportations and limit eligibility for asylum.

The latest proposal adds economic pressure on applicants who may be forced to rely on informal work or public assistance during the extended waiting period.

African asylum seekers, who represent a growing share of the arrivals at US ports of entry and land borders, are particularly vulnerable.

Many lack family or community support and depend on short-term jobs to meet basic needs while their legal status is determined.

The policy is subject to a public comment period before it can take effect.

Legal challenges are expected, as immigrant rights groups warn the rule could violate international obligations to protect refugees and asylum seekers.

The Trump administration has made restricting immigration a cornerstone of its agenda, tightening rules around visas, green cards and humanitarian programmes.

The work permit crackdown marks another escalation in its efforts to reduce the number of people allowed to live and work legally in the US.

gandae@businessdayafrica.org