The Trump administration has proposed removing the 60-day grace period available to certain foreign workers after their jobs end. The proposal from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would affect H-1B workers along with several other employment-based visa categories. Currently, eligible workers can generally remain in the United States for up to 60 days after employment ends to seek another job or make other arrangements. If the proposal becomes final, that protection would be removed, making job loss a much more immediate immigration issue. The proposal could have a significant impact on Indian IT workers, who form a major share of the H-1B workforce.What Would The New Rule Change?The proposed rule would remove the discretionary grace period from U.S. immigration regulations. DHS argues that employment-based nonimmigrant status is tied to the work or activity that provides the basis for the visa, and the grace period can disconnect that status from its employment basis.H-1B workers could lose the 60-day job-loss grace period.The proposal would also cover several other visa categories.Workers could need to leave the U.S. when qualifying employment ends.The current 60-day provision was introduced through regulations in 2017.The proposal must go through public review before becoming final.H-1B Workers Face Tighter RulesThe current H1B 60 day grace period gives eligible workers time to look for a new employer, file an appropriate application or petition, change status where permitted, or prepare to leave the country. DHS is now proposing to remove this provision from the regulations.The proposal is broader than H-1B visas. It would also affect E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 and TN classifications, as well as certain dependents. The agency says the change would restore the employment-linked nature of these immigration categories.Also Read: Trump Says He Has No Regrets Over Iran War As US Pressure IncreasesIndian IT Workers Could Feel ImpactIndian professionals are expected to pay particular attention to the proposal because Indians make up a large share of H-1B recipients and the technology sector is a major user of the programme. A shorter transition after layoffs could make job changes more difficult for workers who need a new employer to maintain their status.However, the proposal has not yet changed the current rules. DHS is accepting public comments, and the agency must consider those comments before deciding whether to issue a final regulation. Therefore, H-1B holders should not treat the proposed rule as an immediate cancellation of the existing grace period.Key HighlightsDHS has proposed eliminating the H1B 60 day grace period.The proposal covers H-1B and several other work visa categories.The existing grace period remains in place for now.Indian IT workers could be among those closely affected.The proposal is subject to a public comment process.A final rule would be needed before the proposed change takes effect.Proposal Still Awaits Final DecisionThe proposed change represents another major step in the Trump administration’s effort to tighten U.S. immigration rules for foreign workers. For H-1B professionals, the biggest concern is the loss of time to find another employer after a sudden job termination.For now, the 60-day grace period has not been eliminated. The proposal will undergo public review before DHS can decide whether to finalize it, so workers and employers will need to follow further official announcements closely.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge purposes and to provide news information based on available official and reliable reports.
