Lokvani wishes all its readers a Merry Christmas!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Homeland Security increases automatic extension period for immigrant employees

The automatic extension period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) renewals has been increased from 180 days to 540 days.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a landmark final rule that permanently increases the automatic extension period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for eligible noncitizens from 180 days to 540 days.

The new rule, effective Jan.13, 2025, aims to reduce employment authorization lapses for applicants with timely EAD renewal requests and provide certainty for US employers and workers.

“This is a huge win for the immigrant community, especially for millions of individuals from India,” said Indian American leader Ajay Bhutoria. “The extension provides much-needed relief for workers who rely on timely renewals to support their families.”

Bhutoria said that the policy change was made after recommendations by the White House Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the business community. He emphasized the need for further progress in expanding EAD issuance for those caught in backlogs.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas underscored the economic benefits, stating, “Increasing the automatic extension period will help eliminate red tape that burdens employers, ensure eligible individuals can continue contributing to our communities, and strengthen our robust economy.” USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou added, “This rule supports employers and prevents unnecessary lapses in employment authorization through no fault of the workers.”

The rule applies to timely EAD renewal applications pending or filed on or after May.4, 2022. It aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce processing delays and enhance employment stability. Measures taken by USCIS include:

• Cutting the median EAD processing times for adjustment of status applicants by half since fiscal year 2021.
• Reducing processing times for asylum applicants and parolees to a 30-day median.
• Extending EAD validity from two years to five years for certain categories.
• Expanding online filing for EAD applications.

These reforms address record-high EAD application volumes and align with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to keeping work-eligible individuals employed, fostering economic growth, and supporting local communities.

The DHS’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to bolstering the economy by streamlining employment authorization processes, benefiting businesses, immigrant workers, and their families.

|