Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana has introduced a joint resolution of disapproval in response to a rule by the Biden administration concerning immigrant work permits. The resolution is backed by the Congressional Review Act procedures and aims to counteract a recent policy change made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

On January 13, 2025, DHS finalized a rule extending the automatic renewal period for employment authorization documents (EAD) from 180 days to 540 days. This extension has raised concerns among some lawmakers.

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

The resolution has also garnered support from Senator Rick Scott of Florida, who expressed strong opposition: "The Biden-Harris administration worked for four years straight to dismantle our nation’s immigration system and open our southern border, allowing millions of illegal aliens to come across our border unvetted and unchecked. 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 authorization. That’s insane, and it undermines President Trump’s mandate and efforts to secure the border and put Americans’ interests first. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to reverse this dangerous rule."

The new rule applies broadly across several categories including immigrants, refugees, green card holders, those with temporary protected status, individuals filing for deportation suspensions, spouses of H-1B visa holders among others.

Should Congress fail to overturn this regulation, it may complicate efforts by subsequent administrations in identifying individuals living or working illegally within the country.