Indian nationals living in America receive a work permit extension from Trump administration

The Trump administration has implemented new and stringent rules in America, affecting thousands of Indian nationals living and working as expatriate workers. The most significant impact of these new rules will be felt by those who have been on a long journey towards obtaining a green card and have been heavily dependent on the long-term Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for maintaining their job status and livelihood.

This decision will impact thousands of Indian nationals!

This decision will have the most serious impact on individuals who have been relying on long-term EADs for years to sustain their employment status in the country and have been on a lengthy path towards obtaining a green card. The Biden administration reversed the decision due to security concerns. Earlier, the Biden administration had extended the duration of work permits from two years to five years to reduce the burden on USCIS and the public.

Why did the Trump administration make this decision?

Joseph Edlow, the director of USCIS, stated that, “This change is necessary to strengthen security vetting processes and to timely search and identify potential risks.” He referred to recent attacks by National Guard members in the capital, saying, “When the previous administration admitted foreigners into the country who carried out attacks, it is clear that USCIS must periodically vet foreigners.”

Who will be affected?

The new policy under which applicants in the following categories will now receive an 18-month work permit instead of five years:
– Green card applicants
– H-1B employees (and their spouses)
– Refugees
– Pending asylum applicants
This rule will have an immediate impact and will apply to new and pending applications of both types.

In some cases, only a one-year permit

Moreover, under the ‘For the People Act (HR1),’ in some other cases such as TPS holders and spouses of entrepreneurial visa holders, the maximum duration of the work permit has been reduced to just one year. This rule will be implemented from July 22, 2026. Concerns have been raised about the complexity of renewing work permits, as many months are required for renewal, and many travelers’ permits may expire due to the short duration, putting their jobs and livelihoods at risk.