Article Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a challenge against the 2015 rule allowing H-1B visa holders' spouses (H-4 visa holders) to work in the United States. This decision upholds the existing H-4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) program, which was challenged by the group Save Jobs USA.

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This Supreme Court decision is a significant relief for thousands of H-1B families, as it ensures the continuity of work authorization for H-4 visa holders. For skilled professionals on H-1B visas, this means their spouses can continue to contribute to household income and pursue their careers, alleviating significant financial and professional anxiety. For employers, especially in the tech and other specialty occupations, it helps retain valuable talent by supporting family stability.

The ruling also offers a degree of stability after years of uncertainty, particularly given the previous administration's attempts to repeal the H-4 EAD rule. While the challenge was based partly on the recent 'Chevron deference' reversal, the D.C. Circuit's previous finding that federal law clearly authorized the 2015 rule was crucial. This outcome suggests that future legal challenges to the H-4 EAD program based on similar grounds are less likely to succeed, though executive actions by future administrations could still pose a threat.