Now Reading: US may scrap H-1B 60-day grace period, hitting Indians hardest
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US may scrap H-1B 60-day grace period, hitting Indians hardest
The US Department of Homeland Security is considering removing the 60-day grace period for foreign workers, including Indian H-1B visa holders, after they lose their jobs. Currently, this window allows workers to…
The Story in Brief
The US Department of Homeland Security is considering removing the 60-day grace period for foreign workers, including Indian H-1B visa holders, after they lose their jobs. Currently, this window allows workers to find a new employer, change immigration status, or leave the country.
Indian professionals, who account for 71 per cent of approved H-1B petitions in FY2024 according to USCIS data, would be hardest hit. Experts say the change could create financial pressure, disrupt families, and leave skilled workers with little time to secure alternative employment. The proposal remains under review and must go through the US regulatory process before taking effect.
The Indian Opinion
The proposal is being debated as a routine regulatory tweak, but for Indian tech workers it is anything but. Critics say even 60 days is too short for job hunting and visa transfers, while hardliners argue that any grace period encourages overstays. The truth likely lies between the two. A concrete test will be the number of public comments filed once the proposal is formally published. Will the DHS listen, or will it tighten the noose on legal immigration?
Source: timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
