US: Bill to protect work authorization of H-1B spouses introduced
What's the story
A legislation seeking to prohibit the Trump administration from revoking the work authorization of spouses of H-1B visa holders, including Indians, has been introduced in the US Congress by two lawmakers who said that eliminating this benefit would force many foreign workers to use their talents to compete against American businesses. H-4 visas are issued to the spouses of H-1B foreign workers. Here's more.
Visas
About the H-1B and H-4 visas
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa through which many Indians workers are employed in the US companies. It allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. It is the most sought-after visa among Indian IT professionals. H-4 visas are issued only to very close or immediate family members of the H-1B visa holders.
Rule
Lawmakers Eshoo, Lofgren introduced H-4 Employment Protection Act
The move by lawmakers, Anna G Eshoo and Zoe Lofgren, to introduce the H-4 Employment Protection Act, comes as the Trump administration tries to revoke a rule that extends work authorization to spouses of H-1B visa holders. Since the rule was implemented, over 100,000 workers, mainly women, have received employment authorization, lessening the economic burden on thousands of H-1B workers, the two lawmakers said.
Consequences
Eliminating this benefit would create painful choice for immigrants: Eshoo
The H-4 Employment Protection Act prohibits the Trump administration from revoking the important work authorization rule, which it is expected to do by the year-end, the two lawmakers said. "Eliminating this benefit would create a painful choice for many immigrants to either split up their families or return to their home countries and use their talents to compete against American businesses," Eshoo said.
Merits
This will block Trump administration from harming our economy: Lofgren
Meanwhile, Lofgren said prohibiting H-1B dependent spouses from working is of no benefit. "If allowed to move forward, many of these families that can contribute so much to our workforce will simply move to countries with a more sensible approach to immigration. This much-needed bill will block the Trump administration from needlessly harming our economy and the lives of skilled immigrant families," she said.