### New U.S. Immigration Rule Ends Automatic Work Permit Extensions for Foreign Nationals On October 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a significant change in immigration policy, terminating the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for foreign nationals. This rule, effective from October 30, 2025, will require all foreign workers applying for EAD renewals to undergo a fresh round of screening and vetting, impacting thousands of foreign professionals, particularly Indian nationals who make up a substantial portion of the workforce in the U.S. [https://udaipurtimes.com/news/us-ends-automatic-work-permit-extensions/cid17709264.htm]. ### Overview of the New Rule and Its Implications 1. **Policy Change**: The DHS has officially ended the automatic 540-day extension of EADs, which previously allowed foreign workers to continue working while their renewal applications were processed [https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-us-announces-rule-to-end-automatic-extension-of-employment-authorization-documents-for-foreign-workers-4026493]. 2. **Impact on Foreign Workers**: This change is expected to affect a large number of non-resident Indians and other foreign workers who rely on EADs for employment. Many of these individuals are dependents of H-1B or L-1 visa holders [https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Oct/30/us-ends-automatic-work-permit-extensions-for-certain-immigrants-what-does-it-mean-for-indians]. 3. **Increased Scrutiny**: The new rule aims to enhance the scrutiny and vetting process during work permit renewals, which may lead to longer processing times and increased uncertainty for foreign workers [https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-us-govt-intensifies-migrant-crackdown-plans-to-end-automatic-renewal-of-work-permits-4025590]. 4. **Concerns Over Job Security**: The termination of automatic extensions raises concerns about job security for many foreign workers, particularly those who may face delays in the renewal process [https://www.rediff.com/news/report/us-ends-automatic-work-permit-extensions-for-foreigners-indians-to-be-hit/20251030.htm]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Affected Population**: The rule is expected to impact thousands of Indian professionals, many of whom are in critical roles within the U.S. economy [https://www.outlookmoney.com/news/us-ceases-automatic-work-permit-renewals-under-ead-for-foreign-workers-thousands-of-indians-affected]. - **Processing Delays**: With the new requirement for fresh vetting, applicants may experience significant delays in obtaining their work permits, which could lead to job loss or employment gaps [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/us-ends-automatic-ead-extensions-for-renewal-heres-how-applicants-will-be-affected-101761762508941.html]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the New Rule The recent decision by the DHS to end automatic extensions of EADs marks a critical shift in U.S. immigration policy, with several key implications: 1. **Increased Uncertainty**: Foreign workers, especially those from India, will face heightened uncertainty regarding their employment status due to the new vetting requirements. 2. **Potential Job Losses**: Many workers may experience job losses or interruptions in employment as they navigate the new renewal process. 3. **Stricter Immigration Policies**: This rule is part of a broader trend towards stricter immigration policies, which may further complicate the employment landscape for foreign nationals in the U.S. [https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/critical-policy-change-alert-dhs-ends-3749120]. In summary, the end of automatic work permit extensions is a significant development that will affect many foreign workers in the U.S., particularly those from India, and it underscores the ongoing changes in immigration policy under the current administration.