In a landmark ruling, a federal judge has ruled that the spouses of H-1B visa holders can work in the United States. The ruling, which was handed down by Judge Jeffrey White of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, overturns a 2015 decision by the Obama administration that had barred spouses of H-1B visa holders from working in the U.S.
The ruling is a major victory for the H-1B visa program, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to work in the U.S. for up to six years. The program has been a source of controversy in recent years, with critics arguing that it is used to displace American workers and drive down wages.
The Obama administration had argued that the spouses of H-1B visa holders should not be allowed to work in the U.S. because they were not considered “professionals” under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Judge White disagreed, ruling that the spouses of H-1B visa holders should be allowed to work in the U.S. because they are “intended beneficiaries” of the visa program.
The ruling is a major win for the H-1B visa program and its supporters. It will allow spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the U.S., which will help to reduce the financial burden on families and make it easier for them to stay in the U.S. for the duration of their visa. It will also help to ensure that the U.S. remains an attractive destination for highly skilled foreign workers.
The ruling is also a reminder that the U.S. immigration system is complex and ever-changing. It is important for employers and foreign workers to stay up to date on the latest developments in immigration law in order to ensure that they are in compliance with the law.