SHRM Statement on DHS Final Rule Extending Automatic Employment Authorization Renewals

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Emily M. Dickens, SHRM Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs, issued the following statement in response to the DHS final rule extending automatic employment authorization renewals. 

"SHRM applauds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the publication of a final rule that permanently extends the automatic renewal period for expiring Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from 180 to 540 days for eligible renewal applicants. This critical step addresses a significant barrier in the U.S. workplace immigration system by helping to prevent unnecessary lapses in work authorization due to processing delays.

Processing delays and unpredictability within the workplace immigration system remain top challenges for American employers, as underscored by SHRM research. These challenges impede businesses’ ability to remain competitive and maintain a stable workforce. SHRM has long advocated for automatic EAD renewals as a vital solution to mitigate disruptions caused by prolonged adjudication timelines. The success of the previous temporary 540-day extension in improving processing efficiency without compromising system integrity demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach, and we commend DHS for making this improvement permanent.

For decades, SHRM has championed workplace immigration policies that eliminate unnecessary barriers to recruiting, hiring, and retaining top talent, especially among foreign-born workers educated and trained in the United States. Immigration is a key driver of economic growth, and policies that streamline work authorization processes empower employers to fill critical job openings with the most qualified candidates.

SHRM remains committed to advocating for policies that ensure U.S. workplaces are competitive, diverse, and inclusive. We stand ready to work with federal policymakers to build on this rule, reduce adjudication backlogs, and provide greater certainty for both U.S. employers and foreign-born talent. Together, these efforts will strengthen our ability to attract and retain the best talent, driving innovation and economic prosperity for years to come."

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SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.