H-4 EAD: What latest US move means for Indian spouses of H-1Bs

The Trump administration’s latest move on H-4 employment authorisation has understandably caused concern among thousands of Indian families in the US. But there is an important point that needs to be made at the outset: nothing has changed for H-4 EAD holders yet.The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has added a proposal to its regulatory agenda titled “Removing H-4 dependent spouses from the classes of noncitizens eligible for employment authorization (EAD).” The proposal would reverse the 2015 rule that made eligible H-4 spouses of H-1B workers who were on track for a green card to apply for employment authorisation.But this is not a proposed rule yet. The item has been classified as a “Long-Term Action” and, significantly, the date for a proposed rule is listed as “To be determined”.