(Image source from: DNA India)

The decision to revoke work authorization to definite categories of H-4 visa holders is in final stages.

H-4 visas are issued to spouses and children under 21 years age of H-1B visa holders, a significantly large number of whom are high-skilled professionals from India.

The Trump administration is planning to end Obama-era rule of a permitting spouses of H-1B visa holders to work lawfully in Unites States, a decision that could devastatingly impact more than 70,000 H-4 visa holders who have work permits.

According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the proposed rule is currently in final clearance. As previously represented to the court, it intends to proceed with publication of the new rule concerning H-4 visa rule.  

The Trump administration yesterday told the court that once the proposal is cleared through the DHS, it will be sent to the Office of Management and Budget for review under Executive Order for regulatory and planning review.

According to recent Congressional report, 93 percent of the total H-4 visa holders in the U.S. having work authorization are from India.

The Obama administration started giving work authorization permits to certain categories of H-4 visa holders, mostly spouses of H-1B visa holders under an executive order in 2015.

A bipartisan group of 130 U.S lawmakers which is led by Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal urged Trump administration to prevail granting work authorization to certain dependant spouses of non-immigrant workers with H-1B visas.

The lawmakers said, Providing work authorization for accompanying spouses helps US employers recruit and retain highly-qualified employees, putting US policy on par with other countries, such as Canada and Australia, competing to attract talented foreign nationals.

The concluding presentment to revoke the work authorization is anticipated to be issued in June.

By Sowmya Sangam