US cuts immigrant work permits to 18 months
USCIS announced on Dec. 5, 2025, that Employment Authorization Documents for many legal immigrants will shift from up to five years of validity to 18 months, requiring more frequent renewals. The federal change applies nationwide, directly affecting Twin Cities immigrants who work under EADs and the employers who depend on them.
📌 Key Facts
- USCIS reduced standard EAD validity from up to 5 years to 18 months
- Change announced Dec. 5, 2025
- Applies nationwide, including Minneapolis–Saint Paul workers and employers
📊 Relevant Data
In fiscal year 2024, USCIS approved approximately 1.3 million Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
USCIS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions: What It Means — Thomas Vallen
In Minnesota, the foreign-born population was 524,000 in 2024, representing 9% of the state's population.
How many immigrants are in Minnesota? — USAFacts
In Minneapolis, 14.8% of residents were foreign-born according to 2021 American Community Survey estimates.
Demographics of Minneapolis — Wikipedia
The largest immigrant groups in Minnesota are from Mexico, followed by Somalia, India, Laos (including Hmong), Ethiopia, Thailand, Kenya, China, Korea, and Liberia.
1 in 4 Minnesotans are people of color, latest Census data shows — Sahan Journal
In Minnesota, unemployment rates in recent data are 5.5% for Black workers, 4.2% for Latino workers, 2.9% for Asian workers, and 2.8% for White workers.
Minnesota workforce diversifies as economic gaps narrow for workers of color — Citizen Portal
77% of Minnesota's foreign-born residents are working, an increase from 70% a decade ago.
By immigrant group — Minnesota Compass