Comment Submitted by Alona Loik

I respectfully urge USCIS not to adopt these proposed changes to Employment Authorization Document (EAD) policies. I came to the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program after being forced to leave my home because of the war. I am a single mother raising two minor children on my own. I work two jobs to provide for my family, pay rent, buy food, cover healthcare expenses, and support my children without relying on public assistance. The ability to work legally is essential for my family’s survival. I also have to pay significant fees to renew immigration documents and maintain my legal status. If obtaining or renewing an EAD becomes more difficult or dependent on broad discretionary decisions, it would put my children and me at serious financial risk. Requiring applicants to prove economic necessity or obtain a job offer from an employer that uses E-Verify would create unnecessary barriers for hardworking people who are already contributing to the U.S. economy. Many employers do not participate in E-Verify, even though they legally employ authorized workers. People who came to the United States through humanitarian programs want to work, support themselves, pay taxes, and contribute to their communities. Stable employment helps families remain independent and allows children to live in a safe and secure environment while their parents follow all immigration requirements. I respectfully ask USCIS to preserve fair, consistent, and predictable access to employment authorization for eligible applicants. These proposed changes would create unnecessary hardship for families like mine who are doing everything possible to comply with the law, work hard, and build a stable future. Thank you for considering my comments.