MCRI ·
US to let some high-skilled immigrant spouses work
Alicia A. Caldwell
Associated Press
May 6, 2014
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration wants to allow some spouses of high-skilled immigrants to
work in the United States, the departments of Homeland Security and Commerce announced Tuesday.
The rule change, which is set to be published in the Federal Register later this week, would affect spouses
of as many as 100,000 holders of H-1B high-skilled visas.
"The proposals announced today will encourage highly skilled, specially trained individuals to remain in the
United States and continue to support U.S. businesses and the growth of the U.S. economy," said
Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said the rule change would help the U.S. attract and keep "world-class
talent" working in the United States.
The new rule is the latest in a series of administrative actions President Barack Obama has announced as
efforts to win broad immigration reform in Congress have failed.