In a significant move, the US Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to review a petition filed by Save Jobs USA, which sought to revoke work authorization for H-4 visa holders. The decision effectively upholds the existing regulation that allows spouses of H-1B visa workers to seek employment in the United States.
The Lawsuit And Its Background
Save Jobs USA, a group representing American tech workers, argued that the H-4 work authorization rule violated federal immigration law by allowing dependents of foreign workers to compete with American citizens for jobs. The group claimed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) overstepped its authority when it introduced the H-4 rule, which reversed its earlier interpretation that barred H-4 dependents from employment.
Despite these claims, the D.C. Circuit Court had previously rejected the lawsuit in 2023, affirming that DHS acted within its powers. The Supreme Court’s refusal to reopen the case now cements that position, providing long-awaited stability for affected families.
Relief For Thousands Of Skilled Immigrant Families
This ruling comes as a huge relief for thousands of H-4 visa holders, most of whom are highly educated women from India and China. For many, the ability to work in the US is not just an economic necessity but also a means of professional fulfillment and independence. Since the introduction of the H-4 work permit rule, several individuals have built successful careers, launched startups, and contributed to the American workforce.
What Lies Ahead For H-1B And H-4 Policies
Although this Supreme Court decision closes one chapter, immigration policy remains a politically charged issue. The Trump administration had previously sought to impose higher fees—up to $100,000 per H-1B employee—and limit H-4 work rights. With ongoing policy debates, future revisions to the H-1B and H-4 programs cannot be ruled out. For now, however, the court’s move secures peace of mind and continuity for countless immigrant families living and working in the US.
