WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is moving to firm up a rule that would extend the validity of certain work authorization permits from 180 to 540 days while renewals are being processed.
The temporary rule was filed this morning and is scheduled for publication Monday in the Federal Register.
“This action will greatly improve certainty and stability for newcomers and their employers,” said Emily Foster, Vice President and Chief of Public Affairs at the National Immigration Forum. “It will allow thousands of authorized workers to keep working, and that’s a relief to employers.”
According to the rule itself, the measure will give USCIS more time to address backlogs and could save U.S. employers $5.2 billion by averting labor turnover. Asylum seekers, immigrants with pending green card applications or withholding of removal, refugees, and some TPS holders are eligible for the extension.