US Ends Automatic Extensions for Migrant Work Permits

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an interim final rule on October 30, 2025, terminating the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for migrant workers, effective immediately for renewals filed on or after that date.

This reversal of a 2022 Biden-era policy eliminates the previous 540-day grace period that allowed eligible immigrants to continue working legally while awaiting renewal, replacing it with stricter vetting requirements including full background checks, security screenings, and eligibility verifications.

If a renewal is not processed before the current EAD expires, employment authorization lapses the following day, forcing workers into immediate unemployment unless they fall under limited exceptions such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, asylum seekers, or refugees subject to case-by-case review. EADs automatically extended prior to October 30 will retain validity until adjudication, offering transitional relief, while USCIS now urges all applicants to file renewals up to 180 days in advance to avoid gaps.

This policy shift aligns with the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement agenda, prioritizing national security and frequent fraud detection over processing backlog accommodations. USCIS processed 3.5 million initial EAD applications and 1.3 million renewals in fiscal year 2024, reflecting surging demand from skilled migrants, yet critics of the prior system argued it allowed unchecked employment for individuals with changed circumstances. Complementing federal action, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a concurrent order directing state universities to prioritize American hires and limit H-1B visa use in academia, signaling a nationwide push to restrict foreign labor in key sectors.

Indian expatriates, who dominate the US high-skilled workforce, face disproportionate impacts from this rule change. Accounting for 71% of approved H-1B visas in fiscal year 2024 and over 500,000 employment-based visa holders in the US, Indians in tech, engineering, and healthcare are particularly vulnerable.

H-1B workers awaiting green cards—often delayed 10–20 years due to per-country caps—risk job loss at firms like Google or Microsoft if renewals lag, potentially triggering deportation. Over 100,000 Indian H-4 spouses holding EADs since 2015 now face sudden unemployment, eroding dual-income stability in high-cost regions like California or New York.

Indian STEM graduates on OPT extensions, comprising 60% of such visas, could be barred from entry-level roles, fueling brain drain to India or unauthorized work. Even Indians under humanitarian protections may encounter delays, compounding financial and emotional strain.

The economic fallout for Indian expats could be severe, with monthly wage losses of $10,000–$15,000 per affected individual based on average H-1B salaries of $120,000–$180,000 annually, while US industries like technology—where Indians hold 75% of H-1B jobs—face talent shortages and recruitment costs up to $20,000 per hire.

Advocacy groups warn of rising litigation over due process violations, amplifying uncertainty for families already navigating visa lotteries and long green card waits.Indian expats can mitigate risks by filing Form I-765 online up to 180 days before EAD expiration and tracking status via the USCIS portal. Consulting immigration attorneys for premium processing, where eligible for a $1,500 fee, can expedite adjudication.

Exploring H-1B cap-exempt extensions or opportunities in countries like Canada offers alternatives amid US instability. Staying updated through USCIS announcements remains critical as processing times, currently 3–6 months, fluctuate.

This policy highlights the precarious balance between security priorities and the contributions of immigrant talent, with Indian professionals at the forefront of its human and economic consequences.

Signpost NewsDesk

Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.