US ends automatic extension of work permits for foreigners

Migrant workers must now undergo re-screening before renewal approval

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

The Trump administration has rolled back a Joe Biden-era policy decision and made re-vetting mandatory for foreign non-immigrant visa holders seeking extension of work permits, a move that is likely to impact Indians as well.

The new rules, ending the practice of automatically extending the validity of employment authorisation documents (EADs) for foreign workers in certain categories, came into effect from Thursday.

In May 2022, the Biden administration had amended rules that provided for an automatic 540-day extension of EADs without any verification process once the applicants filed new applications for renewal of the employment authorisation.

The decision to grant the extension without any verification process was taken in view of 1.5 million pending requests for grant of work permits during that period as there were apprehensions that any further delays to process them may lead to unemployment.

Non-immigrant visa holders in specific categories require the employment authorization document or EAD to work temporarily in the US. An EAD is a proof that a non-immigrant foreign worker is authorized to work in the country for a specific period of time.