New Era for Immigrant Work Permits: A Policy Reversal's Far-Reaching Impact
Automatic Work Permit Extension Ends: A Major Policy Shift
The Trump administration has announced the discontinuation of the automatic extension for specific immigrant work permits, a move expected to affect a substantial number of immigrants. This decision targets individuals such as spouses of H-1B visa holders and those applying for green cards, who currently benefit from a 540-day extension on their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
National Security and Vetting: The Administration's Rationale
On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared that effective October 30, 2025, the automatic 540-day extension of EADs for all renewal applications will cease. An interim final rule, slated for publication, will apply to all categories presently eligible for this extension, including H-4 visa holders, spouses of other employment-based visa holders, and green card applicants. The DHS cites the need for thorough vetting of immigrants before employment and considerations of national security as the primary drivers for this policy change.
Trump Administration Overturns Previous Immigration Stance
This policy adjustment by the Trump administration represents a reversal of a previous stance implemented during the Biden era. The former policy aimed to safeguard immigrants awaiting decisions from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by granting them up to 540 days of automatic EAD extension. Once the new regulation is in effect, immigrants whose work permits lapse will be unable to work legally until their USCIS applications are processed and approved.
Tightening Immigration Policies: Broader Consequences
This initiative is part of a series of measures by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls. Concurrently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has introduced restrictions on H-1B visa usage in state public universities, aligning with a wider push to reform higher education and immigration frameworks. Research suggests that the Trump administration's stringent immigration measures could significantly diminish the U.S. workforce, potentially by millions, by 2035, leading to reduced economic growth and production.
Concerns for American Technological Leadership
Experts express apprehension that President Donald Trump's proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visas could jeopardize U.S. technological dominance. Investor Kevin O'Leary has warned that such a fee might compel skilled professionals to seek opportunities abroad, potentially impeding the growth of future American startups, drawing parallels to the humble beginnings of tech giants like Apple, Oracle, and Google. In a notable response, Nvidia Corp. reportedly committed to covering the $100,000 H1-B visa fee for new hires, underscoring the tech industry's reliance on immigrant talent.