Diversity Visa ( Green Card Lottery)
Hi All,
Do you guys know,
1) How many visas (DV Lottery GC) were given in FY2011.
2) Are they utilizing to their full capacity (55k Visa)
3) If not, is there a Spill Over rule..
Thanks
Tatikonda
Petition Response: Allowing Employment Authorization for H-4 Dependent Spouses
Allowing Employment Authorization for H-4 Dependent Spouses
By Felicia Escobar, Senior Policy Director for Immigration
Thank you for signing the petition suggesting that the Obama Administration extend the availability of employment authorization to H-4 dependent spouses of principal H-1B nonimmigrants.
The H-1B nonimmigrant classification allows a qualified alien to seek admission to the United States on a temporary basis to work in his or her field of expertise. We appreciate the important economic contributions H-1B nonimmigrant workers make to the United States and support using the H-1B visa program as a way to fill the need for skilled workers when American employees are unable to meet the needs of employers. The Obama Administration has also recognized that focusing solely on the H-1B program would not be an effective long-term strategy to address worker shortages in critical growth industries. That's why we are developing robust strategies for improving our Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education pipeline and fostering innovation.
On January 31, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a series of future administrative reforms -- in recognition of the one year anniversary of the White House Startup Initiative -- including reform aimed at addressing the particular issue you raised in your petition. Specifically, DHS is preparing a proposed rule that would allow employment authorization for H-4 dependent spouses of the subset of H-1B visa holders who are being sponsored by their employers for permanent residence and who have been authorized by Congress to remain in the United States until their petitions to adjust status have been adjudicated. This proposed change is an important step toward realizing the 21st Century immigration system envisioned by the President, and it reflects the Administration's continuing commitment to attracting and retaining talented and hardworking immigrants.