Currently, spouses of H-1B workers must qualify for their own H-1B visas or other work permits in order to work in the U.S. Furthermore, only spouses of certain visa holders (i.e. L-1) or spouses with pending Adjustment of Status (I-485) applications are allowed to work in the U.S. Often times, married foreign professionals are reluctant to relocate to the U.S. when their spouses are not permitted to work in the U.S. on H-4 visa. The new proposal, if passed, will encourage talented, married professionals to work in the U.S