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Homeland Security Considers Ending Work Permits for H-4 Spouses

8/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security is considering a rule to strip employment authorization from H-4 visa spouses.
The proposal would reverse the 2015 Obama-era rule that granted work permits to eligible H-4 spouses.
Because no formal rule is issued, current H-4 EAD holders keep permits until a final rule is adopted.
If finalized, the rollback could affect tens of thousands of spouses, many from India and China.

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Story summary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security is considering a rule to strip employment authorization from H-4 visa spouses.
The proposal would reverse the 2015 Obama-era rule that granted work permits to eligible H-4 spouses.
Because no formal rule is issued, current H-4 EAD holders keep permits until a final rule is adopted.
If finalized, the rollback could affect tens of thousands of spouses, many from India and China.