A five-month pregnant Indian-American woman on an H1B visa is in a difficult position after her desi employer unexpectedly halted her green card process. The application had already reached the Department of Labor (DOL) approval stage, but the company decided to stop progressing, reportedly to avoid the higher prevailing wage set by the DOL.
To complicate matters, the employer is unwilling to provide the approved labor certification or reveal the prevailing wage, leaving her feeling stuck. Without these essential documents, she is unsure of her next steps and whether she can obtain the information on her own.
Also Read – Indians Giving Up Citizenship in Record Numbers
This situation places her in a precarious position. As an H1B worker, her visa is tied to her employer’s sponsorship, and starting the green card process with a different employer could delay her by months or even years. Additionally, being pregnant while facing this uncertainty adds to her stress.
U.S. labor laws do permit workers to request a copy of their labor certification directly from the DOL, but navigating this process alone can be daunting. While it is possible to switch employers, it would mean starting the green card process anew, further intensifying the emotional and financial pressures she is alread experiencing.
Also Read – USA: Hyderabadi Student Dies In A Gun Misfire
Her situation underscores a broader issue – how exposed H1B workers are to their employer’s decisions, particularly women who are trying to balance work and family. Advocates emphasize the importance of understanding one’s rights, seeking legal counsel, and considering all available options to safeguard one’s future.
This story is a call for empathy and action. It’s a reminder to desi employers and others to prioritize fairness and decency over short-term savings. For workers, it underscores the importance of knowing their rights and seeking legal support. At a time when she should be focusing on her child, this woman is forced to fight for her stability in a system that often favors employers.
Also Read – Massive $250M Bribe: Gautam Adani Charged in NY
Her journey highlights the urgent need for change in how immigrant workers are treated, starting within our own community.
