A new Department of Homeland Security rule will end automatic extensions for immigrants renewing work permits, forcing many with pending applications out of the workforce as backlogs persist. The policy, effective Oct. 30, eliminates the 540-day grace period introduced under the Biden administration and will affect asylum seekers, refugees, and dependent visa holders. Immigration advocates warn the change will harm workers and employers alike, while DHS officials argue it’s necessary to strengthen vetting and security.
See "DHS to End Automatic Extension of Immigrants’ Work Permits ", Andrew Kreighbaum, Bloomberg Law, October 29, 2025