Indian H-4 entrepreneurs in limbo as the U.S. rethinks visa rules

Indian H-4 entrepreneurs in limbo as the U.S. rethinks visa rules

Context:

• The Trump administration said in December 2017 that it was considering the discontinuation of work authorisation for H-4 visa holders, which may impact thousands of Indians

Job authorisation:

• By providing the possibility of employment authorisation to certain H-4 dependent spouses, the rule will reorganize certain disincentives for talented H-1B non-immigrants to permanently remain in the U.S. and continue contributing to the U.S. economy.
• This is an important goal considering the contributions such individuals make to entrepreneurship and research and development, which are highly correlated with overall economic growth and job creation.
• Since then more than 1,00,000 spouses of those who are waiting for permanent residency in the U.S. received Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD).
• The new rule allowed a pool of highly skilled workers to participate in the U.S. economy as employees, but a few people fall in a distinct category within the cohort — entrepreneurs.

Conclusion:

• If this move to end H4 EAD goes through, many will be the worst affected.