July 12, 2026 - WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) has sent a letter urging Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow to fix the extensive visa processing backlogs and delays that are impacting immigrants’ ability to obtain work permits. Given that many visa categories require proof of a pending application or confirmation from USCIS to qualify for a work permit, any delays directly impact an immigrant’s ability to apply for a work permit and earn a living. 

“These delays are impacting the timely processing of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications and renewals, with a backlog of nearly 12 million visa applications at USCIS,” wrote Senator Rosen. “Due to the growing backlog, it is possible that USCIS can receive a visa application on time, but not issue a receipt in a timely manner, leaving the applicant without the necessary proof to obtain a work authorization, at no fault of their own.”

“These delays are concerning given that many of these individuals are working in critical industries, including healthcare, education, and construction, where a gap in employment can have significant impact not only for working families, but also for the communities and local economies that rely on their contributions,” the senator continued. “When EAD’s are not issued in a timely manner due to staffing shortages and lack of resources, recipients lose employment authorization, employers experience workforce disruptions, and families struggle to support themselves as jobs in the community go unfilled.”

Find the Full Letter HERE.

Senator Rosen has fought to protect the processing of work permits from Trump’s policies and ensure that anyone who is in this country legally has the ability to work. In April, she forced a vote on her resolution to overturn Trump’s harmful rule ending the automatic work permit extensions for workers that already had their permit. Despite gaining bipartisan support, Senator Rosen’s resolution was opposed by most Senate Republicans. Senator Rosen also hosted a discussion with immigration service providers in Las Vegas on the importance of automatic work permit extensions for renewal applications.

Source: Senator Jacky Rosen