On Feb. 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security proposed regulations that, if finalized as written, would have a drastic impact on legal immigrants, Maine businesses and Maine finances. 

The proposed regulations would do three things limiting the ability of asylum seekers, here legally, to work in the United States. First, asylum seekers would be barred from filing for work permits for a full year after they have filed for asylum (at present, the wait period is 180 days; it actually should be reduced to 90 days, not extended). Second, the DHS would have six months to issue the work permit after the application is filed, rather than 30 days as is the case now. Lastly, further work permit applications would be paused until the backlog of asylum cases has been largely eliminated, which has been estimated to be at least a decade.

Combined, these proposed changes mean that asylum seekers, here legally, will be unable to work in this country for the indefinite future. These regulations are terrible for Maine businesses that rely on legal immigrant labor. Also, state finances would suffer, with fewer tax dollars in revenue and greater stress on social services. Finally, asylum seekers themselves, here legally, will be virtually crushed if these regulations are finalized as written.

Opposing these regulations hurts no one, helps the vulnerable, and is good for Maine. Please consider submitting comments in opposition (before the due date of April 24).

Elizabeth Grant
Kennebunkport