DHS recently issued notice to affect spouses and dependents of H-1B and L-1 visa owners. The update increases the duration of automatic Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) renewal from 180 days to 540 days. The adjustment provides solace to thousands of families residing and working in the US by easing the way forward for work and family integration.
Bridging the Gap
Josh and his wife were H-1B and L-1 visa owners respectively and therefore their children and themselves together with their spouse were issued EADS. However, Although there were prayers and validations, Refugees and their family members claiming the EADs faced closure of 180 days for backups and renewals as J2 spouses were already in the US.
This small period created a sense of legal insecurity and loss of employment among, family members and spouses relying on these documents. This Did not work because there was a simultaneous increase in the standard base time to 540 days. The extension to 540 days is aimed at allowing more time to process applications more efficiently while still allowing people in, without compromising employment continuity.
This adjustment benefits not only fresh applicants but also those who are currently in the queue of renewal for EAD’s extension. As a result, the eligible individuals no longer experience difficulties with the transition as there is additional time to comply with the requirements.
Who Stands to Gain from This Policy?
This policy targets the following parties:
H-1B and L-1 Visa Holders Spouses: Widely known as H-4 and L-2 visa holders. They frequently work and help generate income for the family while residing in the US.
Dependent Family Members: Who are children and other dependants who are dependent on the family and have to have valid papers to remain present in the country.
Employers: Businesses and corporations who get a cross section of employees most notably H-1B and L-1 workers will experience less disruption when employees’ families are taken care of.
This approach ensures that employment gaps are less and therefore a win-win for all, families and businesses are better off as well.
Effect on Immigrant Families
H-1B visa holders’ spouses are mainly dependent on their h-4 visa extension which require the EAD to be valid. Mostly they are highly skilled individuals who are active part of the America’s employment market. Sometimes the period of renewal was too long that they were forced to quit working, they were constantly out of work, and financial distress was rampant compounded with legal problems.
Now with further 540-day extension families can make better plans. It enables them to progress with their careers and personal lives without the hassle of having the documents expiring or being interrupted.
Reform of the immigration system is just the beginning as this decision emphasizes the need of the US government to eradicate the inefficacies and inadequacies that linger within the immigration system. Lengthy processing periods have been an issue for quite a time and have caused excessive delays with the renwal and authorization of the issued visas. By increasing the renewel time, DHS is giving grasp to the systemic issues and is trying to address them in the short term.
Next Steps in Update
For those impacted by this change, here are the next steps:
1.Confirmation of qualification: Ascertain whether or not you qualify for the longer renewal time.
2. Better Early Applications filing: The extension has provided time but it is always better to fill your application sooner rather than later.
3. Consulting Experts: The immigration rules can be a maze, consulting an immigration attorney can help you get your documents files timely and more.
4. Staying Up to Date: Policies and rules may shift, ensure you are aware of updates from DHS or other reliable sources.
There are Other issues Still at Hand
I agree this update is a positive one but I also refrain from saying it is the fix all solution to the existing issues at hand. Many visa categories continue to suffer from processing delays. Immigration experts and advocates have pointed out there is a need for more efficient reforms to be implemented to tackle the existing backlog.
Conclusion
The change in regulations that permit extension of the EAD renewal period, from a maximum of 180 days to a maximum of 540 days, constitutes good news for holders of H-1B and L-1 visas and their families. It provides much- needed peace of mind and assurance for those who serve in the US economy and workforce.
The new US immigration reforms made adjustment to the EAD renewal period, which was a very big concern for the immigrant families. There is still more that needs to be done, but these policy changes do represent significant steps forward and do reflect the determination to begin alleviating some of the issues experienced by visa holders and their families.