Trump move to end H-1B grace period puts Indian tech workers at risk

The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period that allows H-1B visa holders and other foreign workers to stay in the United States after losing their jobs, a move that could especially impact Indian technology professionals.

The proposal was published Thursday by the US Department of Homeland Security(DHS), in the Federal Register, would require affected workers to leave the country when their employment ends, rather than using the existing period to find another job or arrange their exit.

The 60-day provision was introduced in 2017 and allows workers time to find a new sponsor or to take steps like moving their families and belongings. If approved, the change would also apply to several other temporary work visas, including L-1, O-1, TN, H-1B1 and E-3 categories.

US relies heavily on H-1B visas Indian IT firms and technology firms to recruit talented foreign employees. Major Indian outsourcing companies prominent H-1B sponsors include Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HCLTech and LTIMindtree, Reuters reported.

“The change could mean some disruption, DHS said, but jobs could be filled by US workers. The proposal still has another two-month period for public comment before any final decision is made.