Bad News for Immigrants in the United States

Bangla Press Desk: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has scrapped the automatic extension that allowed eligible immigrants to continue working while their work permit renewal applications were pending, even after their existing permits expired.

Under the previous rules, eligible applicants could continue working for up to 540 days under certain conditions. The new rule removes this benefit, meaning many immigrants may have to temporarily stop working if their permit renewals are delayed. The information was reported by Indian media outlet The Times of India. A report published on Wednesday (October 14), citing Bloomberg Law, said DHS had issued a new rule cancelling the interim measure introduced under the previous administration.

Under the new rule, applicants will no longer be allowed to continue working automatically after their employment authorisation expires, even if they submitted a renewal application before the expiry date. They may have to remain out of work until their applications are approved and their legal authorisation to work is restored if the authorities take longer than expected to process them.

The new rule also stipulates that renewal applications cannot be submitted more than 180 days before the current work permit expires. In other words, applicants can apply no earlier than six months before the expiry date. However, even those who apply within the permitted timeframe may face employment uncertainty if approval is delayed. According to the report, the new rule is scheduled to take effect upon its publication in the US Federal Register on October 14.

Who Could Be Affected?

The decision could temporarily disrupt the employment of immigrants awaiting work permit renewals. Those whose current permits are close to expiring may face financial difficulties if the renewal process is delayed.

Immigrants are therefore advised to regularly check their work permit expiry dates, renewal eligibility and application status. Once the new rule takes effect, simply submitting a renewal application will no longer guarantee that they can continue working.

BP/SP