Comment Submitted by Lucyna de Barbaro

I am writing to oppose the proposed rule, “Clarification of Discretionary Employment Authorization for Certain Aliens” (DHS Docket No. USCIS‑2026‑0067). Through a volunteer network, I’ve been supporting a Ukrainian family who arrived legally under humanitarian parole. They are hardworking, eager to contribute, and doing everything by the book. One family member has become an essential employee at a small HVAC company that is genuinely grateful to have him on their team. The proposed expansion of E‑Verify requirements would place an unnecessary burden on small businesses like this one. These employers already confirm work eligibility through straightforward, lawful documentation—citizenship papers, valid work permits—and that system works. Adding more administrative layers doesn’t improve compliance; it simply strains businesses that lack the staff and resources to absorb that overhead. Meanwhile, DHS processing delays have grown significantly. People who already possess proof of legal work authorization should not have their livelihoods held hostage by paperwork bottlenecks in Washington. No family’s ability to buy groceries should hinge on how fast a form moves through a federal queue. The family I support fled a country under active bombardment and occupation. They were offered safety here because their home is not safe. This rule would undermine that promise. They need stable, uninterrupted access to employment to survive and rebuild their lives. For these reasons, I urge you not to adopt this rule.