Washington, December 5. In a major change to America’s immigration system, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the maximum validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) will be reduced. This decision will impact lakhs of Indian professionals and their families. The agency says this change is necessary to strengthen security checks and identify potential risks.
USCIS stated that the new policy will enable frequent screening of people seeking work authorization in America, which will help prevent fraud and identify individuals with harmful intentions so that removal proceedings can be initiated against them.
Director Joseph Edlow linked this decision to public safety concerns. He said that reducing the employment authorization period will ensure that people who want to work in America do not become a threat to public security and do not promote anti-national ideologies.
Referring to a recent incident, he mentioned that the person who attacked National Guard soldiers in Washington was allowed into the country by the previous administration. After this incident, it has become more necessary to conduct frequent checks on foreign nationals.
These changes directly affect several categories that Indian citizens use in large numbers, such as employment-based green card applicants and H-1B employees whose process is ongoing.
According to the new policy, EADs issued to refugees, asylum seekers, those receiving relief from removal proceedings, and green card applicants (INA 245) were previously valid for five years, but will now be valid for only 18 months.
The policy alert states that this rule applies to all applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025.
For Indian applicants who are already enduring years-long green card waits, this change may create new concerns. Many Indians rely on long-term EAD and Advance Parole documents to continue their employment for extended periods. The Indian immigrant community are the largest beneficiaries of employment-based visas in America. They will be most affected by this change.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
