The difference is back then at this time we began to see stories of people being approved much faster than now. People would make threads about how they have been approve and they got their EADs and whatnot. That really encourage people to have hope. This year, ive seem nothing but people freaking out that they have lost their jobs or their expiration is in weeks. Last time is was months, even just 2 months they were freaking out. I am worried too now, I got a 3 year EAD (got it before that judge became an ass) Will they renew it on time or will I be freaking out as well? I mean I suppose my license is valid for 6 more years so at least even with an expired EAD my ID still valid. By the way, in most states your licenese/ID expires the same time your EAD does. They are linked together. Having an expire ID not only will cause you to lose your job but lose your driving priviliges