If you live or work in Coral Springs or surrounding Broward County areas, you may have already felt the impact of recent federal immigration updates on work permits. Processing times have been getting longer. Application fees have increased. And the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has tightened document review and eligibility checks.
These changes affect anyone who relies on work authorization. That includes adjustment of status applications waiting for their first work permit, DACA and TPS recipients renewing their documents, asylum seekers, and employers hiring foreign workers through programs such as the H-1B visa. Local businesses are also feeling the impact, especially when it comes to Form I-9 compliance and hiring timelines.
In this guide, we explain what these immigration policy changes mean for work permits. Our goal is to help families, workers, and employers in Coral Springs understand what is happening and what steps to take next.
What Is Changing in U.S. Immigration Policy?
Recent immigration policy changes under the current Trump administration have created plenty of challenges and questions. Here are some of the key changes affecting work permits in Coral Springs:
More Detailed Eligibility Reviews
USCIS is taking a closer look at applications to verify identity, immigration status, and background. This means requests for additional evidence are becoming more common, and some work permit applications are taking longer to approve due to extensive background checks.
Higher Application and Renewal Fees
Filing fees for work permits and renewals have increased, especially for asylum-based applications. This creates new financial challenges for individuals and families waiting to work legally in the United States.
Stricter Renewal Guidelines and Fewer Automatic Extensions
Some categories, such as certain adjustment of status applicants, certain VAWA self-petitioners, asylum seekers, and many others are no longer receiving the 540-day automatic extension period for renewals filed after October 30, 2025. This increases the risk of work interruptions if documents expire before approval.
Increased Enforcement at Workplaces
Employers in Coral Springs may now face more frequent Form I-9 audits and worksite inspections. Agencies like ICE and the Department of Labor are checking that hiring practices follow federal guidelines.
More Scrutiny for Employment-Based Visas
Programs like PERM and H-1B visas are experiencing closer review. This may lead to processing delays and additional documentation requirements.
How These Changes Affect Work Permits for Individuals in Coral Springs
While these immigration policy changes are national, their impact is very local. They affect real people who are trying to work, support their families, or maintain lawful status in Coral Springs.
Longer Processing Times and Delays
Many people applying for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) are experiencing delays at USCIS. Adjustment of status applicants, VAWA self-petitioners, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, and TPS holders may wait months or even a year for approval. During this time, working legally in the United States can be difficult or impossible.
Delays can also affect work permit renewals. If an application is submitted too close to its expiration date, it may lead to gaps in employment or even job loss.
Higher Fees for Asylum-Based Work Permits
Fee increases have created a new barrier for individuals trying to maintain legal work authorization. As of October 30, 2025:
- First-time asylum-based EAD applications cost an additional $550
- Online renewals cost $745
- Mail-in renewals cost $795
These higher fees can be challenging for individuals who are still waiting for their asylum cases to be decided. Or those who are trying to support their families without a stable income.
Changes to Automatic Extensions for Renewals
Before October 30, 2025, some categories received a 540-day automatic extension while their renewal was being processed. For most renewals filed after that date, this extension no longer applies. This means applicants may temporarily lose work authorization if their renewal is not approved in time.
For many South Florida workers, losing work authorization even for a short time can affect income, healthcare, housing, and more.
Challenges Affecting TPS and DACA Recipients
Temporary Protected Status and DACA recipients are facing stricter renewal reviews. USCIS may request more supporting documents or question eligibility more closely. Those who miss renewal deadlines risk falling out of status, which may affect both employment and protection from removal.
How Immigration Policy Changes Affect Employers and Local Businesses
These policy shifts do not only impact applicants. Coral Springs employers must now follow updated hiring and compliance expectations, especially when hiring foreign workers.
Increase in Form I-9 Audits and Worksite Checks
Immigration enforcement has increased, and employers in sectors like construction, hospitality, healthcare, and retail may face surprise audits or visits. Businesses must be ready to provide:
- Proper Form I-9 documentation
- Proof of lawful hiring practices
- Records of training and compliance procedures
Even unintentional errors can lead to penalties or fines.
Greater Scrutiny for H-1B, PERM, and Employment-Based Petitions
Application processing for visas such as H-1B and PERM has become slower and more detailed. Employers may be asked to provide job descriptions, wage documentation, or further proof that qualified U.S. workers were considered. These requests may increase costs and delay hiring.
Financial and Administrative Burdens
Between higher fees, legal costs, and compliance checks, many Coral Springs businesses are spending more time and resources to hire or support immigrant employees. This may affect hiring timelines, workforce planning, and long-term contracts.
What the EBE Program Change Means for New Workers
The Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program helped certain immigrants receive Social Security numbers automatically after entering the U.S. With the program now halted, individuals must apply for a Social Security number separately. This may delay employment onboarding, payroll setup, and tax reporting.
For both workers and employers, this change creates additional steps and longer wait times before legally starting a job.
What Individuals in Coral Springs Can Do Moving Forward
While policy changes can be stressful, there are steps you can take to protect your work authorization.
Stay Informed and Keep Organized
Keep copies of all immigration documents, track expiration dates, and submit renewal applications as early as possible. Missing a deadline can lead to unexpected work interruptions.
Understand Your Category
Different rules apply depending on whether you are applying based on family sponsorship (your relationship to a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident), asylum, TPS, DACA, or employment. Knowing your category helps you plan ahead and avoid delays.
Seek Legal Guidance Before Problems Occur
Many people wait until there is a delay, a request for evidence, or a denial. Speaking with a Coral Springs immigration attorney early can help you avoid issues and prepare for upcoming policy changes.
What Employers in Coral Springs Should Consider
Businesses that hire immigrant workers can also take steps to adapt.
- Conduct internal Form I-9 audits regularly
- Train HR staff on verification procedures
- Prepare for longer hiring timelines
- Maintain clear documentation for all employment-based petitions
Legal guidance can help employers understand which documentation to maintain and how to support employees during work authorization renewals.
Need Help Understanding How These Policy Changes Affect Your Case?
Whether you are applying for your first work permit, renewing your EAD, or hiring employees in Coral Springs, our team can help. At 360 Immigration Law Group, we guide workers, families, and employers through changing immigration requirements.
We offer free consultations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese by phone, Zoom, or WhatsApp. No matter where you are in the U.S. or abroad, our attorneys are ready to assist.
Call us at 954-667-3660 or contact us online to speak with an immigration attorney today.