The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld work rights for certain spouses of H-1B visa holders by declining to review a challenge to a federal rule, affirming a previous appellate ruling.
In a significant legal development, the U.S. Supreme Court has chosen not to review a challenge to a federal rule that allows certain spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the United States. This decision effectively upholds a 2024 appellate ruling that confirmed the legality of the program.
The case, known as Save Jobs USA v. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was initiated by a group representing American technology workers. They argued that the DHS had overstepped its authority by extending work authorization to holders of H-4 visas, which are granted to the dependents of H-1B skilled workers. By refusing to hear the case, the Supreme Court has left the D.C. Circuit’s decision intact, allowing the rule to remain in effect.
Introduced during the Obama administration in 2015, the rule permits certain H-4 visa holders—typically spouses of H-1B workers who are pursuing permanent residency—to obtain work authorization. Proponents of the policy argue that it promotes family unity and economic stability, while critics contend that it may displace American workers.
This ruling marks the conclusion of nearly a decade of legal challenges surrounding the issue and provides clarity for thousands of families navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. It also highlights the ongoing debate over employment-based immigration policies and their implications for the domestic workforce.
As the landscape of immigration continues to evolve, this decision reinforces the rights of H-4 visa holders and their families, ensuring that they can contribute to the U.S. economy while maintaining their family ties.
Source: Original article