Job Loss=Visa Loss? New H-1B Rule to be Published Friday

New H-1B rule sparks visa concerns

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule. This rule is set to abolish the 60-day grave period given to H-1B holders after losing their job.

This grace period is essential for H-1B holders to find a new job. This rule is titled “Eliminating the Discretionary 60-Day Grace Period.”

The 60-day grace period was introduced in 2017 as a relief for H-1B holders. It allowed them to look for a different employer, apply for a change of status, or prepare to depart the US.

However, this new rule would remove that grace period entirely. Meaning that H-1B visa holders would immediately lose their legal status of they lose their jobs.

Families on H-4 dependent visas will also immediately lose status. This means that entire families can immediately become illegal immigrants in the country if the H-1B holder loses their job.

Apart from the loss of a job, the rule would essentially ensure that family lives are entirely derailed.

Children’s education will be disrupted. Massive expenses will be incurred to immediately leave the country for fear of staying illegally.

It is unknown when this proposed rule will come into effect. But if it does, it will be another step taken by the US government to disrupt the lives of legal immigrants.