Pregnant Asylum Seeker Files Lawsuit Against DHS for Work Permit Denial
A homeless pregnant asylum seeker in Des Moines has initiated legal proceedings against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for refusing to grant her the right to work in the United States. The case, brought forth by Dania Abdulrahman, is lodged in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa and names both DHS and U.S. Customs and Immigration Services as defendants.
Key Officials Named in the Lawsuit
Alongside DHS, the lawsuit also lists Carrie M. Selby, the Acting Deputy Director for Customs and Immigration Service Center Operations, and Mark Wayne Mullin, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, as defendants.
Background of the Plaintiff
Abdulrahman legally entered the U.S. from Syria in 2016 at the age of 10, accompanying a family that was seeking asylum. According to the complaint, she spent time in foster care starting in 2020 and was removed from that system in 2024 upon turning 18. In April 2024, she applied for a work permit based on her asylum status, which would enable her to work legally in the U.S.
Prolonged Wait for a Decision
Under federal law, U.S. Customs and Immigration is required to make a ruling on such applications within 30 days. However, the complaint states that Abdulrahman has been left in limbo for more than 750 days without a decision regarding her application.
Consequences of the Delay
As a result of the delay, Abdulrahman is unable to accept employment legally. Her attorney, Catherine Meloy Guettel, emphasized the gravity of the situation in court, highlighting that without a source of income, Abdulrahman is facing housing insecurity and is unable to afford necessary medical care for herself and her unborn child.
Ongoing Challenges Faced by Abdulrahman
Guettel noted in her court filing that since Abdulrahman aged out of the foster care system two years ago, she has experienced homelessness. Addressing the court, Guettel recounted Abdulrahman’s precarious situation, stating, “If she’s lucky, she might find food on the streets of Des Moines. If she’s not, she goes hungry.” Furthermore, Abdulrahman has struggled to access healthcare, having not visited a dentist in years and only having seen a doctor once during her pregnancy.
Attempts to Seek Assistance
Abdulrahman has made multiple inquiries to U.S. Customs and Immigration Services regarding her application status, all without receiving any substantive feedback. She also approached Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa for assistance, but according to the complaint, his office informed her that U.S. Customs and Immigration had “nothing to do” in resolving her plight.
Legal Claims Against the Federal Government
The lawsuit accuses U.S. Customs and Immigration of violating the federal Administrative Procedure Act by failing to meet statutory deadlines and forcing Abdulrahman to wait excessively beyond what the law allows for a decision. Her legal team is urging the court to take charge of the case, grant the work permit immediately, and mandate that the federal government cover her legal fees. As of now, the defendants have not filed a response to the allegations presented in the lawsuit.
