Big setback for Indian immigrants as Trump govt alters work permit regulations

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ended the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for migrant workers. This decision is likely to impact thousands of foreign workers, particularly Indian professionals who constitute a large part of America's migrant workforce.

The department said in a statement Wednesday that "aliens who apply for renewal of their EAD on or after October 30, 2025, will no longer benefit from automatic extensions." However, applicants who received automatic extensions before October 30 will not be affected by this rule. The department said the new provisions are intended to strengthen public and national security by prioritizing the screening and verification process.

This move reverses the Biden administration

's policy that allowed migrant workers to work in the US for up to 540 days after their work permits expired, provided they—

– The renewal application must have been filed on time,

– The applicant's EAD category is eligible for auto-renewal, and

– Their current EAD category matches the eligibility category listed in the “Receipt Notice”.

DHS clarified that some limited exceptions will remain covered by this rule, such as employment documents related to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that have been extended by law or through a Federal Register notice.

Background checks will be more heavily emphasized.

Under the new rule, background checks and monitoring of migrant workers will be conducted more frequently. The US government says this will help prevent fraud and identify potential security threats.

“The longer an alien waits to apply for an EAD renewal, the more likely it is that there will be a temporary gap in their employment authorization or documentation,” the department said.