Introduction

The 21st century has witnessed remarkable technological advancements that have revolutionized the way people live and work. One such breakthrough is the advent of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model, which has opened new possibilities for communication and problem-solving. While these advancements have brought immense progress, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential disparities and unintended consequences they can create. The migration of workers attracted by the tech industry’s employment-based visa programs has significantly impacted the lives of their families, particularly the female spouses. Technological advancements have rapidly transformed the global job market over the past decade. Countries like the United States, Singapore, and China, home to some of the most technologically advanced companies such as Apple, Google, and Alibaba, have drawn highly skilled workers from around the world. In the last quarter of 2022 alone, over 13 million nonimmigrants entered the US, seeking opportunities in the booming tech industry and contributing to its innovation and growth. More than 60% of H-1B visa holders in the high-tech industry are employed in occupations related to computer and information technology, making valuable contributions to the US economy and society by driving innovation and filling critical skill gaps in times of technological advancement.

The Need for Policies Supporting Career Aspirations and Economic Empowerment of Visa Holders and Their Families

Employment-based visas, particularly in the tech industry, play an increasingly vital role in facilitating the movement of workers. However, they can have significant implications for visa holders, particularly their spouses and families. The H-1B visa program, known for its lottery-based and employment-focused nature, stands as one of the most sought-after employment-based visas in the United States. It enables US companies to hire skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations and operates within a quota system, adding to its significance and competitiveness. Nonetheless, the program has faced criticism for its impact on the spouses of H-1B visa holders, also known as H-4 visa holders, who often struggle to find employment due to restrictions on their work authorization. Singapore has also tightened eligibility for spouses of work visa holders to work. The complex and varied provisions for family members within different types of work visas, both within a country and across tech hubs, highlight the limitations and challenges within the visa system. These visa regulations can create barriers, particularly for spouses, and disproportionately affect women. In many cases, they are not allowed to work and face difficulties integrating into new communities, fundamentally altering their way of life. Restricting spouses’ employment prospects not only impacts individuals but also deprives the global economy of diverse skills and talents. When women are excluded from the workforce, there are losses in innovation, productivity, and economic growth. Approximately 70% of H-4 visa holders have backgrounds in science and engineering and are employed in the tech sector. However, the issue of work authorization for H-4 visa holders remains contentious, with ongoing legal debates. Even with certain H-4 visa holders being allowed to work in the United States through a court ruling, many women still struggle to find meaningful employment and build careers due to their visa status. This situation leads to emotional and social challenges, as well as financial dependence on their H-1B visa-holding spouses. Addressing these issues requires policy reforms that provide work authorization and support career development for H-4 visa holders, promoting inclusivity and economic empowerment. By harnessing the potential of highly skilled individuals, we can reduce gender disparities and maximize contributions in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

The Value of Working H-4 Visa Holders in the United States

When examining the challenges faced by H-4 visa holders, it is essential to recognize the value they bring to the United States through their skills and qualifications. Approximately 94% of H-4 visa holders are women, with most of them in their late twenties or thirties. Research conducted by the American Action Forum reveals that allowing work permits for H-4 visa holders, many of whom have STEM education, could result in substantial economic benefits for the United States. According to the Center for American Progress, immigrant women are more likely to participate in the labor force compared to native-born women, contributing to the economic growth and diversity of the country. This highly skilled workforce has the potential to alleviate workforce shortages and fuel economic growth, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education. The subsequent increase in productivity, innovation, and job creation can lead to higher wages, business growth, and overall economic prosperity. Recognizing the value that working H-4 visa holders bring to the US is crucial in addressing the issue of women being compelled to leave their home and identity due to their spouse’s work and their own visa status.

The Impact of Recent Layoffs in the United States on Employment-Based Visa Holders and Their Families

Reports of mass layoffs in the tech industry have had a significant impact on H-1B visa holders and their families. According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, "the top 30 H-1B employers hired 34,000 new H-1B workers in 2022 while laying off at least 85,000 workers. " These layoffs disproportionately affect H-1B visa holders and their dependents who hold H-4 visas. Laid-off workers often face difficulties finding new employment within a limited timeframe and risk losing their legal status, which could force them and their families to leave the country, even if their spouse still holds a job in the United States. The Wall Street Journal has also reported that H-1B visa holders, despite playing a critical role in maintaining the US’ competitiveness in the tech industry, are often the first to be let go during layoffs as companies prioritize retaining American workers.

Policies to Promote Stability and Equality

The challenges faced by employment-based visa holders and their families in the context of technological advancements and the evolving immigration market are complex. Rapid technological advancement has transformed industries, created new job opportunities, but also led to job displacement and increased competition for skilled workers. However, the original discussion has not adequately addressed this incremental change in the immigration landscape.

The first step towards promoting stability and equality is to grant visa holders greater bargaining power. Advocating for regulations that ensure fair wages, working conditions, and job mobility protections would address the potential exploitation of visa holders and provide them with more agency in their careers. Moreover, policymakers should promote policies that grant work authorization to spouses of visa holders. By doing so, the benefits of technological advancements and employment-based visas can be shared more widely, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society.