Introducation
rajkotupdates.news : america granted work permits for indian spouses of h-1 b visa holders: The recent development in the United States allows Indian spouses of H-1B visa holders to be granted work permits, enabling them to pursue their careers in the US. This decision has been applauded by the Indian community in the US, who have long called for a policy change. Here are the key points related to this development:
rajkotupdates.news : america granted work permits for indian spouses of h-1 b visa holders.
Complete Details news Step by step
1. H-1B Visa:
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US firms to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. Indian nationals have been the largest recipients of H-1B visas, with over 70% of the visas issued in 2020 going to Indian workers.
Spouse Work Authorization:
Until recently, the spouses of H-1B visa holders were not permitted to work in the US. This prevented many Indian women who had immigrated to the US with their spouses from furthering their careers and supporting the American economy.
Policy Changes:
In 2015, the Obama administration implemented a rule that allowed some H-4 dependent spouses to request work permission if their H-1B visa-holder spouse had an approved I-140 petition, at last step in the employment-based green card procedure. However, the Trump administration later attempted to reverse this policy, leading to opposition from the Indian community and other groups who saw it as discriminatory.
Revival of Work Permits:
The Biden administration announced on May 10, 2021, that it would resume issuing work permits to H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders. Under the new policy, spouses who are either beneficiaries of an approved I-140 petition or have been granted an extension of their authorized stay past the six-year limit are eligible to apply for employment authorization.
Impact on Indian Expatriates:
The Indian expat community, particularly women, has welcomed this policy change. Many Indian women who had to put their careers on hold can now support their families financially and contribute to the American workforce. The availability of work options for H-4 visa holders is seen as a significant step towards inclusivity and equality.
Impact on Indian Economy:
The new policy is expected to benefit the Indian economy as well. Highly talented Indian employees who were reluctant to immigrate to the US due to limited work options for their spouses may now be more inclined to use the H-1B visa program. This can help address the brain drain India has been experiencing and facilitate the movement of highly trained employees between India and the US.
Challenges:
While the policy change has been welcomed, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. The provision only applies to specific H-4 visa holders whose spouses have been granted permanent residency (green cards), which leaves many H-4 visa holders unable to find employment. Some individuals who believe the policy could result in job losses for American workers may take legal action against it.
conclusion
The decision to grant work permits to Indian spouses of H-1B visa holders is seen as a positive step towards inclusivity and equality. It is expected to benefit Indian expatriates, support the US economy, and address the brain drain in India. However, there are still challenges and concerns that need to be addressed.