USCIS slashes work permit validity from five years to 18 months in major immigration policy shift affecting thousands of noncitizen workers across America.

The move was the latest in an intensifying crackdown on legal immigration after an Afghan national was charged with shooting two National Guard members.

The move took place two days after it halted immigration applications for citizens from 19 nations. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

USCIS has cut work-permit validity from five years to 18 months, citing the need for more frequent security checks.

The Trump administration has cut work permit validity for certain noncitizens from five years to 18 months, citing increased vetting and national security concerns. USCIS said the change affects refugees,

USCIS slashed work permit validity for refugees, asylees and other protected immigrants to 18 months, citing the DC attack on National Guard members and arguing the shorter window allows more frequent security vetting.

Shorter work permit expiration timelines will impact asylum seekers and other migrants in need of humanitarian relief, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said.

The administration said the change to shorter work-permit windows will force more frequent background checks on noncitizens working in the U.S., which could help identify security risks and remove potentially dangerous migrants.

The Trump administration paused green cards, citizenship and visa processing for 19 countries already under a travel ban.