Opinion: Tightening of H-1B visa rules will also raise physiological stress

For the second time this year, the Trump administration missed the deadline to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on its decision of revoking work authorisation to spouses of H-1B visa holders.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had earlier missed a similar deadline in February.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

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H-4 visas are issued to spouses of H-1B visa holders, whose green card applications have been approved. The Obama era H-4 rule had helped thousands of Indians.

Giving work to the spouses of H-1B visa holders helps US companies retain highly-skilled employees.

However, the Trump administration has been claiming that many US companies misuse the rule to get less expensive labour, which negatively affect American workers, decreasing wages and opportunities.

President Donald Trump had promised to increase oversight of H-1B visa policy to 'protect American workers'.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services said,"Too many American workers who are as qualified, willing, and deserving to work in these fields have been ignored or unfairly disadvantaged."

Indian women spouses of H-1B visa holders have been beneficiaries of this provision which the Trump administration now intends to reverse.

According to a study by the Migration Policy Institute, 93 per cent of the total H-4 visa holders in the US having work authorisation were from India and 4 per cent were from China.

A recent research has stated that the Trump administration decision may push one lakh people out of job, and will raise financial and domestic tension.

Job authorisation to H4 visa holders gives financial independence and certain freedom to the spouses of H-1B visa holders. 

As stated by Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, this is a gender issue as well. Women are just as qualified, sometimes more qualified, than their spouses. It's certain that taking away their work permits will spread dissatisfaction and frustration among them. 

Furthermore, this would also have a negative impact on the business community and the US economy. Various researches have stated that immigrants actually contribute to greater economic growth. Immigrants as entrepreneurs provide employment opportunities to Americans.

The move would also deter the H-1B Visa holders, whose spouses are working professionals, to continue in US postings. The chances are relatively high that employees will choose to leave their companies for better employment opportunities and policies in other countries. 

Consequently, this would cause unnecessary disruptions as businesses will again have to work on filling up the vacant posts.
 

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)