US Senators Push To Repeal Work Permit Rule Benefiting Indian H-1B Spouses, Green Card Holders

In a fresh political push against the Biden administration’s immigration policies, Republican Senators John Kennedy and Rick Scott have introduced a resolution to reverse a rule that significantly extended the automatic renewal period for employment authorisations from 180 days to 540 days, Economic Times reported.

The rule, finalised by the Department of Homeland Security on 13 January, applies to a diverse group, including immigrants, refugees, green card holders, and spouses of H-1B visa holders—many of whom hail from India.

The regulation was intended to prevent disruptions in employment caused by processing delays, but it has drawn sharp criticism from conservative lawmakers.

Kennedy and Scott, both vocal on immigration issues, argue that the extension weakens US immigration enforcement. Introducing their resolution on Thursday under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), they are seeking to disapprove of what they call a "dangerous rule".

"The Biden administration’s dangerous rule automatically extended work permits for immigrants to 540 days. Giving immigrants more time to avoid reporting to US officials hampers the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce our immigration laws and keep Americans safe," Kennedy stated.

Scott echoed similar concerns, lambasting the Biden administration’s overall immigration policies and linking the rule change to broader security issues.

"Then, in a last-minute move, former President Biden passed a ridiculous rule that allows illegal aliens to keep jobs in the United States for over a year without authorisation. That’s insane, and it undermines President Trump’s mandate and efforts to secure the border and put Americans’ interests first," he said.

The Republican Senators warn that if the rule is not overturned, it could make it harder to identify those living and working illegally in the US.

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