Immigrants fear renewing work permits over ICE arrest concerns, CiberCuba reports
Key Takeaways
- It has been reported that some immigrants—particularly in the Cuban community—are avoiding renewing Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) because they fear encounters with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
- EAD renewal typically requires filing Form I-765 with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and sometimes attending a biometric appointment at an ASC (Application Support Center); processing times vary and USCIS posts current estimates online.
- Skipping renewals can mean loss of legal work, income, and protections, and can increase vulnerability to exploitation or create gaps that complicate future benefits.
- Immigrants worried about enforcement should consult accredited lawyers or nonprofit legal services; information sharing between DHS components is complex, and claims about arrests at USCIS locations should be treated cautiously.
What is being reported
It has been reported that members of the Cuban immigrant community and other migrants are delaying or foregoing renewals of their work permits because they fear that attending USCIS biometrics appointments or other in-person steps could expose them to ICE enforcement actions. Allegedly, these fears are rooted in past news of ICE operations and broader mistrust of interactions with any Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency. USCIS is the agency that adjudicates immigration benefits; ICE is the DHS component responsible for enforcement. These are separate offices but both fall under DHS.
Legal process, data sharing and what is typical
Renewing work authorization normally means filing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and, depending on the category, showing up for biometrics—photo, fingerprints and background checks—at an Application Support Center. USCIS conducts background checks as part of adjudication. It is true that DHS agencies do share information internally; however, broad claims that USCIS routinely turns applicants over to ICE for arrest at ASC appointments are unverified and should be treated cautiously. Processing times for EADs vary by category (asylum-based work permits, TPS, DACA, adjustment-based EADs, etc.) and by service center; applicants are advised to check USCIS processing times and to file renewals as early as allowed—USCIS generally recommends filing up to 180 days before expiration where applicable.
Human impact and practical steps
The immediate human consequences are concrete: without a valid EAD people can lose jobs, steady income, and health coverage tied to employment; they may face wage theft or exploitative conditions if forced to work off the books. For those with pending asylum claims, TPS, DACA, or adjustment applications, gaps in authorization can also complicate life and legal strategies. If you fear enforcement, seek help from an accredited immigration attorney or a nonprofit legal clinic before cancelling renewals. Confirm whether your EAD category allows online filing, whether you qualify for an automatic extension, and ask about safe ways to attend required appointments. Be wary of unverified reports; it has been reported that some individuals experienced enforcement-related incidents, but each case differs and legal counsel can assess personal risk and options.
Source: Original Article