US: Revoking of H-4 visa work permit in final stages
The Trump administration has told a US court that the move to rescind work authorization to certain categories of H-4 visa holders is in final stages. H-4 visas are issued to the spouses of H-1B visa holders, a significantly large number of whom are high-skilled professionals from India. 93% of the total H-4 visa holders in the US are from India.
Final notification to be out in June
The administration yesterday said that once the Department of Homeland Security clears the proposal, it will be sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review under Executive Order. The final notification is expected to be issued in June. The administration is planning to end the Obama-era rule allowing spouses of H-1B visa holders (over 70,000 people) to work legally in the US.
Administration also reviewing H-1B visa policy
Last week, a bipartisan group of 130 US lawmakers led by Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal urged the administration to continue granting work authorization to certain dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders, as it will help the US recruit highly-qualified employees. The administration is currently reviewing the H-1B visa policy as it thinks that the visa is being misused by companies to replace American workers.
