{
  "id": 4128463,
  "title": "H-1B dependent spouses can’t get jobs in US? Big blow for immigrants as DHS mulls work permit rollback",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/h-1b-dependent-spouses-cant-get-jobs-in-us-big-blow-for-immigrants-as",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T06:31:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/h1b-dependent-spouses-can-t-get-jobs-in-us-big-blow-for-immigrants-as-dhs-mulls-h-4-work-permit-change-101787983877077.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering a proposal that would strip certain spouses of H-1B workers in the United States of their employment authorization, a move that could significantly impact immigrants. This proposal, listed under the federal regulatory agenda as \"Removing H-4 Dependent Spouses From the Classes of Noncitizens Eligible for Employment Authorization,\" aims to eliminate eligibility for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for some H-4 visa holders. The H-4 EAD rule, introduced in 2015, allowed qualifying spouses of H-1B workers to work in the US without being tied to a specific employer. The proposal comes after a similar effort was made during the Trump administration, although that plan was eventually withdrawn. Currently, the proposal is in the early stages and would need to go through the federal rulemaking process before any changes could take effect. Until then, H-4 EAD holders would continue to be recognized by USCIS.",
  "summary": "The DHS plans to potentially eliminate employment authorization for certain H-4 visa holders.",
  "key_points": [
    "DHS proposes stripping H-1B spouses of work authorization.",
    "H-4 EAD rule allows spouses to work without employer tie.",
    "Proposal still in early stages, needs federal rulemaking."
  ],
  "editors_take": "A proposed rollback of work permits for certain H-1B dependent spouses would curb economic freedom for immigrants who currently benefit from the Obama-era rule allowing them to work without employer ties.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}