More than 100,000 South Asian families face potential job loss as the Department of Homeland Security eliminates the 540-day automatic extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD).
On Thursday, a significant change in immigration policy was announced that has left many South Asian families in distress. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially removed the 540-day automatic extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), a lifeline that many had relied upon to maintain their employment status while waiting for renewals.
This decision, effective October 30, 2025, means that any EAD renewal filed on or after this date will not receive any grace period. As a result, if an individual’s EAD card expires, their job is at risk, along with their family’s financial stability and future plans.
The 540-day extension was initially introduced to alleviate the burden on legal workers, particularly those from South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, as well as others from around the world. This policy was championed by advocates who aimed to “Save 1 Million Families” by extending the auto-renewal period from 180 to 540 days. The extension was signed into law on May 3, 2022, and had provided crucial support to approximately 1.2 million legal workers while the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processed their applications.
However, the recent decision by the DHS has left many individuals anxious about their futures. A software engineer from Hyderabad, a nurse from Kerala, a data scientist from Colombo, and an ERP developer from Dhaka have all reached out with the same urgent concern: “If USCIS takes eight months to process my renewal, will I lose my job, my health insurance, and my child’s school?” The unfortunate answer is yes, unless they filed their renewal before the October 30 deadline.
Among those affected are over 100,000 Indian H-4 spouses, recent OPT STEM graduates from prestigious institutions, and Nepali TPS nurses who played a vital role in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this policy change is not just theoretical; it translates into real financial losses for families. For instance, if a card expires on March 1, 2026, and an application is filed on November 3, 2025, the average processing time of 7.5 months could result in a gap of 106 days without income, amounting to a staggering loss of nearly $30,000 for a single family. When multiplied across 100,000 households, this could mean a total economic impact of approximately $3 billion.
The implications of this policy change extend beyond immediate job loss. Families may face severe financial strain as mortgages stall, children may have to switch schools, and remittances to aging parents in their home countries could dry up. Additionally, many individuals may find their driver’s licenses expiring, as these are often tied to EAD status in 17 states. Employment gaps could also jeopardize green card applications, leading to potential denials based on “public charge” criteria.
In light of these challenges, advocates are urging affected individuals to take immediate action. They recommend filing the I-765 application online as soon as possible, as waiting until the previous timeline of 180 days early is no longer sufficient. Individuals are encouraged to document their application receipt and communicate with their employers about potential unpaid leave. Financial planning is also critical, with suggestions to save at least three months’ worth of expenses in a separate account designated for EAD gaps.
Despite the grim outlook, there remains a thread of hope. The USCIS still has 22,000 unused H-1B visas available this year, and there are bipartisan efforts in Congress to address the backlog of applications. Community support continues to be a vital resource, with many South Asian volunteers coming together to provide assistance and solidarity during these trying times.
As families navigate this new reality, it is crucial to remain proactive and connected. The immigrant community has historically shown resilience in the face of adversity, and this situation is no different. By filing early, planning carefully, and leaning on community networks, families can work to protect their futures one renewal at a time.
Source: Original article