Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association filed comments with the Department of Homeland Security opposing a proposed rule that would eliminate the discretionary 60-day grace period for highly skilled foreign workers who lose their jobs. CCIA warns that the change would impose substantial costs on American businesses and workers, disrupt technology hiring, and undermine U.S. competitiveness in critical emerging industries.
CCIA estimates that eliminating the grace period would generate between $121.5 million and $762.1 million in annual net economic costs, with a central estimate of $262.8 million. Over ten years, the central estimate reaches nearly $1.85 billion, far outweighing the limited administrative savings DHS anticipates.
CCIA has long advocated skilled immigration reform as critical to maintaining and strengthening the global competitiveness of U.S. companies in an increasingly innovative economy.
The following quote may be attributed to Rachel Grey, who serves as CCIA’s Technology Policy Counsel:
“Eliminating the 60-day grace period would impose high costs on employers and workers, discourage talent mobility, and make it harder for U.S. companies to recruit the specialized professionals they need to lead in critical technologies like AI and semiconductors. DHS should retain this longstanding protection rather than introduce unnecessary barriers that undermine American competitiveness.”
