It appears that the program that provided work permits to some H1-B spouses may be coming to an end. USCIS has completed a proposed agreement to end work permits for H-4 visa holders. These work permits are also known as the employment authorization documents (EAD).

If this decision is made final this will affect about 90,000 foreign nationals mostly women from India.

Different companies including Cisco, Facebook and Intel have voiced their displeasure with this decision as it effects their employees.  This can also have a strong impact the H1-B workers because they now need to finance their family with only one income. This is especially challenging for individuals who work in expensive areas such as Silicon Valley.

The rule-making process is not yet complete. The process includes publishing the proposal, giving the public a chance to comment and issuing the final regulation.