At YMLG, our mission is rooted in empowering our community through reliable, timely, and transparent information. Immigration policies can change rapidly, and staying informed is essential to protect your legal status, employment, and overall well-being. We encourage everyone to closely monitor the status of their work permits and ongoing immigration processes to avoid any unexpected interruptions. Our team remains committed to supporting you with professionalism, clarity, and empathy. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us for guidance.
On October 30, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a significant regulatory change affecting tens of thousands of immigrants who rely on Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to work legally in the United States. The newly issued Interim Final Rule removes the automatic extension of EAD validity for most applicants who file timely renewal requests. This is considered one of the most impactful changes to employment authorization rules in recent years. We believe this is a purely punitive measure meant to attack immigrants who are simply following the proper procedures. The goal of this administration is clear, make life so difficult for immigrants that they want to self-deport. Someone who has been working at their job for the last five years, supporting themselves and their family may soon find they will be let go from their job when they do not receive an automatic extension of their work authorization. This will result in needles pain and suffering for thousands.
What Changed?
Before this rule went into effect, immigrants who submitted a renewal application on time could rely on an automatic extension of their work authorization for 180 to 540 days while USCIS processed the application. This safeguard helped prevent employment disruption due to agency backlogs.
However, the new regulation eliminates automatic extensions for renewal applications submitted on or after the publication date in the Federal Register. Going forward, employment authorization will end on the expiration date printed on the card unless the renewal has been fully approved beforehand. This presents a serious risk for those working in the United States who are still awaiting adjudication.
Who Is Not Affected?
This regulation does not affect:
- Individuals whose work permits have already received an automatic extension before publication.
- Automatic extensions granted by law or through Federal Register notices, including certain designations under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
These benefits remain valid until otherwise updated by USCIS.
Why Did USCIS Make This Change?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, automatic extensions presented security and vetting concerns. Work authorization continued while background checks remained incomplete, derogatory information could go undetected, and eligibility might change before renewal approval. By removing automatic extensions, the government argues it can:
- Ensure full vetting prior to approval,
- Align with national security executive orders,
- Reduce fraudulent or unqualified filings.
At YMLG, we believe the Trump administration made this change to punish immigrants. The target of this change is hard-working people who are doing everything the government has asked them to do. They have already been vetted and screened during their first work authorization application. The Trump administration simply wants people to suffer, for immigrants to be unable to legally work so they self-deport. The responsibility is on USCIS to properly adjudicate work authorization renewals in a timely manner. Because they have been unable to timely adjudicate these applications they did the right thing and issued automatic extensions. Unfortunately, the administration is seeking to punish immigrants who are simply following the proper channels.
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Risks to Immigrants
Despite these stated goals, USCIS continues to experience processing delays. As a result, affected applicants may face:
- Gaps in employment,
- Temporary job loss,
- Payroll interruption,
- Loss of income,
- Challenges renewing identification documents.
Under federal law, employers must terminate employment once work authorization expires unless updated documentation is provided, creating potential financial hardship for workers.
What Immigrants Should Do Now
To avoid negative consequences, USCIS and legal professionals recommend the following proactive measures:
- File your renewal early.
USCIS encourages filing up to 180 days before expiration. - Track your expiration date.
Set reminders for:
- 180 days before,
- 90 days before,
- 30 days before.
- Consult with your immigration attorney.
This is especially critical if your category experiences long processing times. At YMLG, we are happy to guide you if you have any questions. Feel free to reach out - Explore alternative work authorization options.
Certain individuals—such as asylees or refugees—may be authorized to work “incident to status.” - Monitor TPS notices.
TPS beneficiaries may still receive extensions through separate Federal Register publications.
What Employers Need to Know
Under federal Form I-9 requirements, employers must reverify work authorization on or before the expiration date listed on the work permits. Continuing to employ individuals without valid authorization may result in substantial penalties.
Can the Public Comment?
Yes. Members of the public have 30 days from publication to submit comments through the federal portal at www.regulations.gov. Comments must be submitted in English or include an English translation. We strongly encourage all community members to submit comments against this proposal.
Proactive planning is now more critical than ever.
This regulatory change increases the importance of:
- Early renewal filing
- Careful documentation tracking
- Clear communication with employers
Without automatic extensions, even minor delays in adjudication may disrupt employment. Based on the scope of this policy shift, we anticipate:
- Legal challenges
- Advocacy responses
Further guidance for TPS and asylum categories
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