DHS Proposes Tighter Rules for Employment Authorization for Certain Immigrants

The Department of Homeland Security has published a proposed rule that would change who can get work permits and under what conditions. The agency wants to limit eligibility for discretionary employment authorization, which is permission to work granted at the government’s discretion rather than by statute. This specifically targets three groups: people paroled into the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, individuals granted deferred action, and those with final orders of removal who are temporarily released on supervision.

Why it matters: This action matters because it directly impacts the ability of a specific subset of immigrants to legally work in the United States. For those affected, obtaining or keeping a work permit would become more difficult and costly due to new proof requirements and biometric fees. Employers hiring from these groups would face stricter verification steps if they wish to retain workers under this proposed framework.

Who it affects

• Non-citizens currently eligible for discretionary employment authorization under specific immigration categories (parole, deferred action, or supervision orders)

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This is a proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security published in the Federal Register; readers should consult the full document at DHS Docket No. USCIS-2026-0067 before relying on these details, as final rules may differ based on public comments.

Agency: Homeland Security Department
Source: Federal Register — read the official document