India, Aug. 29 -- H-1B dependent spouses could face a major setback in the US if the Department of Homeland Security moves ahead with a plan to eliminate employment authorization for certain H-4 visa holders.

DHS has revived a regulatory proposal that would remove certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B workers from the categories eligible for employment authorization.

The proposal would effectively roll back a rule introduced in 2015 that allowed qualifying H-4 spouses to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The proposal is listed in the federal regulatory agenda as "Removing H-4 Dependent Spouses From the Classes of Noncitizens Eligible for Employment Authorization."

The development does not mean H-4 work permits have ...