The United States suspends automatic renewal of work permits.

2 days ago
4 min read

In news that will have a major impact on millions of immigrants, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that automatic renewals of temporary work permits (EADs) have been suspended. The measure took effect on Thursday, October 30.

This change removes a key protection that allowed immigrants to continue working legally while waiting for their new card. We explain in simple terms what this means, who it affects, and what you should do right now.

What was the "Automatic Extension" that was removed?

Until now, there was a special rule created by the previous administration. If you submitted your work permit (EAD) renewal on time, the law gave you an automatic extension of up to 540 days (almost a year and a half) after your card's expiration date.

This rule was created because USCIS has very long delays and takes many months to approve renewals. The 540-day extension allowed people to keep their jobs while waiting for their new card.

Today, that 540-day benefit has been eliminated.

Why did the government eliminate this rule?

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that the change is being made to prioritize the "safety of Americans" over the "convenience of foreigners." According to Edlow, it is a "common sense" measure to ensure that all background checks are completed before a permit is issued.

Who does this new rule affect?

This new rule affects almost all categories of immigrants who have a temporary work permit and needed to renew it. The groups most impacted are:

Individuals in the process of adjusting their status (Green Card applicants).

Asylum seekers awaiting a response.

Beneficiarios de programas para víctimas de violencia doméstica (VAWA).

Esposos/as de personas con visas H-1B (conocidos como H-4).

Familiares de residentes permanentes que esperan su estatus.

Básicamente, afecta a cualquier persona que no tenga un estatus permanente (como la residencia o la ciudadanía) y que dependa de la renovación de su EAD para trabajar.

¿Hay excepciones?

Ante esta nueva regla, la única solución es actuar con la mayor anticipación posible.

REVISA TU PERMISO HOY: Mira la fecha de vencimiento de tu tarjeta de permiso de trabajo (EAD).

MARCA TU CALENDARIO: Cuenta exactamente 180 días (6 meses) antes de esa fecha de vencimiento.

ENVÍA TU RENOVACIÓN ESE DÍA: No esperes ni un día más. Presenta tu solicitud de renovación de EAD (Formulario I-765) justo al inicio de ese período de 180 días.

Como advirtió el DHS: "Cuanto más tiempo espere un extranjero para presentar la solicitud de renovación del EAD, mayores serán las consecuencias".

FUENTE: El País

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the new immigration fees:

1. Does this rule cancel my current work permit?

No. Your current EAD card remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. What is being eliminated is the automatic 540-day extension you were granted after it expired.

2. What happens if my permit expires tomorrow and the new one hasn't arrived?

Under this new rule, if your permit expires tomorrow, starting the day after tomorrow you will no longer have legal authorization to work. You must inform your employer and stop working until your new card is approved and physically arrives.

3. Why did the government make this change so quickly?

The administration issued it "effective immediately" without a notice period or public comments. Legal experts point out that this speed could be used to sue the government in court, but in the meantime, the rule is in effect.

4. Is this rule fair considering USCIS takes so long to process cases?

Leaders of pro-immigrant organizations have described the rule as "unacceptable." They argue that it punishes people who have legal status and have been vetted, simply because the immigration agency is slow. However, the rule is already official.

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