FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
WASHINGTON D.C. — On Friday, the D.C. Circuit Court upheld a rule allowing the lawfully-admitted spouses of H-1B visa holders to obtain authorization to work while awaiting lawful permanent residency. H-1B visa holders are specialized immigrant workers, who are authorized to work in the United States because they possess highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent). Americans for Immigrant Justice partnered with Boies Schiller Flexner to represent Immigration Voice in advocating for this rule.
“The Circuit Court’s holding is an important victory for immigrant families,” said Evelyn Wiese, attorney at Americans for Immigrant Justice. “Prior to this rule, many thousands of immigrant families were forced to choose between separating their families for years or leaving one spouse out of the United States workforce while awaiting lawful permanent residency—a wait that can extend for many years based on visa backlogs.”
Americans for Immigrant Justice is proud to stand with immigrant families. We celebrate this win for immigrants and for the communities that benefit from working families. Together, we are working to build the American dream—for all those who dream and work to build a stronger United States.
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