Here’s what the department is considering.
President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing another major immigration crackdown that could reshape America’s workforce and affect nearly one million work authorization applications.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a proposal that would significantly tighten rules governing who can legally work in the United States, how long work permits remain valid, and who qualifies to renew them.
Supporters say the plan is designed to put American workers first and discourage illegal immigration. Critics argue it could create labor shortages and disrupt businesses that rely on immigrant workers.
With immigration expected to remain a top issue heading into the 2026 elections, the proposal is already drawing intense debate.
DHS Unveils Sweeping Work Permit Overhaul
According to the proposal, DHS wants to make it more difficult for certain non-citizens to obtain and maintain employment authorization documents, commonly known as work permits.
Administration officials say the changes are intended to:
- Protect American jobs and wages
- Reduce incentives for illegal immigration
- Strengthen enforcement of immigration laws
- Ensure temporary immigration programs are not abused
The proposal represents one of the most significant changes to employment authorization rules since President Trump returned to the White House.
Who Could Lose The Ability To Work?
The new policy would primarily affect immigrants receiving humanitarian parole, deferred action protections, and certain individuals facing deportation proceedings.
Government data shows that nearly 978,000 work authorization applications were processed in these categories during Fiscal Year 2024.
Under the proposed rule, applicants would face:
- Enhanced background investigations
- More extensive security screenings
- Stricter eligibility standards
- Additional proof of financial need
- Increased scrutiny during renewals
Many work permits would also be shortened to just one year, requiring more frequent renewals.
Major Change For Individuals Facing Deportation
One of the proposal’s most significant provisions involves immigrants who have already received final removal orders.
Currently, many individuals in this category can receive temporary work authorization while remaining under government supervision.
The Trump administration wants to end that practice in most cases.
Under the proposal, only individuals who cannot be deported because no country will accept them could potentially qualify for work authorization.
DHS estimates that only a small number of people would meet those requirements each year.
Tougher Rules For Criminal Histories
The proposal also introduces stricter standards for applicants with criminal records.
Individuals with arrests, convictions, gang affiliations, or suspected terrorist connections would generally be denied work authorization.
Exceptions would be limited and granted only when federal officials determine there is a compelling public interest.
Supporters argue the changes help protect public safety while ensuring immigration benefits are reserved for qualified applicants.
Nearly One Million Applications In The Spotlight
According to federal figures, the affected categories accounted for approximately:
- 792,130 parole-related applications
- 153,154 deferred-action applications
- 33,024 applications involving removal orders
Those numbers have fueled concerns about how many workers and employers could ultimately be affected if the proposal becomes law.
Could American Workers Benefit?
The Trump administration argues that restricting work permits could increase employment opportunities for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Supporters believe reducing competition for jobs could help boost wages and strengthen labor market conditions for American workers.
However, some economists warn that certain industries may struggle to replace workers currently employed under temporary authorization programs.
The actual impact could vary significantly depending on economic conditions and employer hiring patterns.
Economic Impact Could Reach Billions
DHS estimates the proposal could generate economic effects ranging from approximately $9 billion to nearly $28 billion over the next decade.
Potential consequences include:
- Reduced earnings among affected workers
- Increased hiring and training costs for employers
- Changes in federal tax revenue
- Expanded use of the E-Verify employment verification system
At the same time, administration officials argue the policy could reduce government costs associated with immigration enforcement and create more opportunities for American workers.
What Happens Next?
The proposal is not yet final.
A 60-day public comment period begins June 5, allowing Americans, businesses, and advocacy groups to weigh in before DHS makes a final decision.
The agency will review public feedback before determining whether to move forward with the rule.
As immigration remains one of the most closely watched issues in the country, the outcome of this proposal could have major implications for employers, workers, and the future direction of U.S. immigration policy.