The administration of US President Donald Trump has scrapped the automatic extension of work permits for foreign nationals, a move that will affect thousands of immigrant workers, including some Kenyans.
According to an interim rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the change took effect on Thursday, October 30, 2025. The policy ends the practice of automatically extending Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs) for immigrants applying to renew their work permits under specific categories.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explained that the decision prioritises stricter vetting over convenience, arguing that all extensions must now undergo thorough screening before approval. “Working in the US is a privilege, not a right,” USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said, adding that the move restores security-focused policies abandoned by previous administrations.
While the DHS confirmed a few exceptions, such as extensions allowed by law or through special notices in the Federal Register for individuals under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), most foreign nationals will now face more frequent checks.
Implications for Kenyans and Other Foreigners
Foreign workers are now being advised to apply for EAD renewals at least 180 days before expiry to avoid gaps in employment authorisation. Delays could mean temporary loss of work status while applications are processed.
Geopolitical economist Aly-Khan Satchu described the rule as part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of foreign nationals in the US workforce. “This clearly signals a more aggressive approach to work permit expiries. The US is tightening space for foreign labour and will likely impose even more restrictions, especially in sectors where they believe there’s enough local talent,” Satchu said.
He cautioned that the decision could dampen remittance flows from North America to countries such as Kenya, thereby affecting foreign exchange reserves.
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William Kimani, a Kenyan living in the US, said that while a few Kenyans would feel the impact, Indians, who are the largest holders of H-1B visas, will bear the brunt. “Most Kenyans either have green cards or are undocumented, so the overall effect will be minimal for us. But Indians are the biggest casualties,” he noted.
Related Development: Mali Removed from Visa Bond List
In a separate update, the Trump administration has removed Mali from its visa bond list after diplomatic pushback. However, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Gambia, and São Tomé & Príncipe remain on the list, meaning eligible applicants from those countries must continue paying refundable visa bonds to guarantee their return home after visiting the US.
The latest immigration measure underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing clampdown on foreign work privileges, signalling an era of heightened scrutiny and reduced leniency toward non-citizens working in America.
