WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04) led the Arizona Democratic delegation in submitting a formal comment letter opposing a Trump administration proposed rule that would strip work authorization from DACA recipients and other immigrants over minor law enforcement contact, including arrests that never led to a conviction.
“This proposal is yet another attempt by this administration to make it harder for people to access and maintain their ability to work. We are deeply troubled by the changes proposed in this rulemaking, which will introduce needless administrative paperwork into an already overburdened system without meaningfully improving program integrity,” the members write.
Stanton raised the issue of DACA delays earlier this year after meeting with DACA recipients, attorneys and advocates. The concern about work permit authorizations was raised by participants at Stanton’s New and Aspiring Americans Advisory Council meeting last week, underscoring how deeply this proposal would affect Arizona families and the young people who have built their lives here.
The rule, proposed by the Department of Homeland Security, would let USCIS deny or refuse to renew work permits for anyone who admits to, is arrested for, or is charged with certain criminal acts. It would not require a conviction.
The rule would also mandate biometrics for every applicant, including renewals, and expand the reasons work authorization can be automatically terminated. It would apply to individuals who apply for work authorization separately from their immigration status, including DACA recipients, humanitarian parolees, and people with removal orders.
The rule creates new ways to deny work permits by directing USCIS officers to treat nearly any contact with law enforcement as grounds for denial, with no meaningful opportunity for appeal. It would also force DACA recipients into costly, time-consuming biometrics appointments almost every year, adding another hurdle to a renewal system already plagued by delays. And by DHS's own estimate, the rule would cost taxpayers roughly $27 billion over the next decade and drain an estimated $2 billion in lost tax revenue.
The members’ letter is HERE. The public comment period closed at midnight on August 4, 2026.