USCIS Curtails Validity Period ForSeveral Categories Of Employment Authorization Document

On December 4, 2025, USCIS issued a Policy Alert announcing that it will shorten the maximum validity period for certain initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents ("EADs"). According to USCIS, more frequent vetting is necessary for certain categories of foreign nationals who may pose a threat to national security ¾an assertion tied to the recent shooting of two National Guardsmen deployed to Washington, DC., allegedly at the hands of an Afghan parolee.

As a result, the maximum EAD validity period for the following classes will be shortened from 5 years to 18 months for:

• Aliens admitted as refugees;
• Aliens granted asylum;
• Aliens granted withholding of deportation or removal;