Bill introduced for grant of the automatic right to H4 visa holders to work in the US
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Two American Congresswomen on Thursday introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that pointed toward granting an automatic right to H4 visa holders to work in the US.
The two lawmakers presented the legislation saying it is pointed toward addressing the labor shortage. In the nation affecting American businesses and helping immigrant families thrive together.
H-4 visas are given to dependent spouses and children who accompany H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders to the United States.
Numerous H4 visa holders are highly skilled individuals in their own right and previously had careers of their own or worked to support their families.
Introduced by Congresswomen Carolyn Bourdeaux and Maria Elvira Salazar. The H-4 Work Authorization Act tries to change the current law and grant the spouses of H-1B visa holding immigrants an automatic right to work after receiving their H-4 visa.
This would eliminate the requirement for visa holders to apply for Form I-765, an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD), they said.
Bill for the automatic right to H4 visa holders to work in the US
“At present, the spouses of highly-skilled immigrants need to battle through years of bureaucratic red tape. Before they are allowed to work in the United States,” said Bourdeaux.
“This bill eliminates these unnecessary barriers to guarantee families can contribute and prosper together. If we are going to continue to be competitive and attract the greatest minds and talent around the world. We should guarantee that the family members of high-value immigrants. Can also build a life and career in the United States, just like everyone else,” she said.
Salazar said this policy will help the United States maximize its entrepreneurial spirit. And continue leading in job creation, innovation, research and development, and economic growth by meeting critical labor market needs.
Presently, the H-4 visa holders should apply for work approval and wait for it to be processed before they can work. Even though they are now in the United States and their spouse is working here.
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Because of backlogs at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applications for work authorization can take anywhere from six to eight months. Some applications may take over one year to be approved.
The bill has been endorsed by the National Immigration Forum and Unidos. Also, the US hopes to fill America’s labor gap and allow these visa holders to quickly work and provide for their families.
It could also help to reduce the backlog of work authorization applications at USCIS. By giving quick work authorization to H-4 visa holders and reducing the number of work authorizations. Moreover, USCIS must process, a media release said.
