In May of this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), released information in an attempt to introduce a bill that would allow the spouses of skilled temporary workers or H1B visa holders, the right to maintain work in the United States. For thousands of immigrants, this would open doors and numerous opportunities for their families.
This news specifically affects immigrants from China, India, and the Philippines due to the large number of H1B visa holders who specialize in science, engineering, and other specialty areas that migrate from these countries. Aside from the visa holders themselves, many of their spouses are highly educated as well, but are not permitted to work in the U.S. under current immigration laws. Of course, life in the United States becomes difficult for these single income families, as the spouses are unable to use the knowledge and degrees that they worked so hard to obtain.
As of now DHS has only discussed this possibility for the spouses of H1B visa holders that have begun the process of seeking permanent residency or their green card (GC). Therefore, this benefit will still have its limitations. Critics argue that DHS should consider providing this option to the spouses of all H1B visa holders regardless of their attempt to apply for a GC. Either way, the approval from Congress for this immigration bill will be a difficult feat since Republican opposition has already been noted toward this new announcement.
The United States seeks immigrants with superior skills that are the best in the world, in order to compete in the global market. To achieve that goal, the spouses and families of these highly skilled immigrants must be taken into consideration. If the spouses of H1B visas are able to work, the probability of these skilled workers remaining in the country for longer periods of time increases. Supporters of this bill believe that if these immigrant families are happy and thriving, it is more likely that they will also create a home here, which would be an ideal solution since higher skilled and specialized workers, are the types of immigrants that America wants.
