Clarification of Discretionary Employment Authorization for Certain Aliens

The commenter opposes the proposed rule restricting work eligibility for documented immigrants, arguing it will cause labor shortages in critical sectors and create economic harm. They contend that documented immigrants contribute significantly to the economy and that the new restrictions are redundant and costly.

The commenter, a lawful H-4 EAD holder and data engineering manager, opposes the proposed rule because it shifts eligibility-based work authorizations to a discretionary model that could unfairly penalize individuals for arrests without convictions. They argue that the rule replaces individualized reviews with rigid presumptions, increases administrative burdens, and risks erroneous denials for law-abiding professionals who contribute to the U.S. economy.

An individual who currently works with children supports the proposed action, arguing that timely work permits for parolees promote financial self-sufficiency and economic contribution. The commenter notes that such authorization would allow them to open a children's development school and create local jobs.

The commenter opposes the proposed action, arguing that it will negatively impact legal immigrants and their families who are seeking employment. They specifically highlight that requiring E-Verify for renewals will create barriers for small businesses and rural communities with limited resources.

The commenter, an individual whose spouse is an H-4 dependent with work authorization, opposes the proposed rule because it applies enforcement-oriented requirements (like broad criminal history checks and mandatory biometrics) to a category that should remain mechanical and predictable. They argue these changes will cause work authorization gaps, lack proper notice for terminations, and impose economic costs on H-4 spouses without a valid security justification.

An H-4 dependent spouse opposes the proposed rule, arguing that making employment authorization discretionary creates uncertainty and financial hardship for families. The commenter highlights how processing delays and unpredictable eligibility could lead to a loss of essential health insurance and impact the ability of highly skilled workers to contribute to the economy.

The commenter supports the proposed rule as a "slight improvement" but argues that the administration should go further by completely terminating the H-4 EAD and OPT programs and revoking all current work authorizations for those categories. The commenter expresses strong opposition to Indian migrants and their impact on the American workforce.

The commenter opposes the proposed regulations, arguing that they would deprive nearly one million people of legal work authorization. They claim these restrictions will cause financial hardship for families, harm local economies, and reduce tax revenues.

The commenter opposes the proposed rule, arguing that it would cause significant hardship for individuals with humanitarian parole from Ukraine and Afghanistan. They express concern that the rule would negatively impact small businesses and prevent these individuals from supporting their families and paying taxes.

The commenter opposes the proposed rule restricting work eligibility for documented immigrants, arguing that it will cause labor shortages in key industries like healthcare and agriculture. They highlight that documented immigrants contribute significantly to the economy and have already undergone legal vetting processes.