ABSTRACT
Skilled Indian women migrants in the United States of America (USA) who arrive on dependent visas face huge challenges. Despite holding advanced degrees and professional experience, these women encounter significant obstacles in accessing employment due to restrictive visa regulations, delayed work authorization, and a competitive labor market. Using qualitative interviews and secondary data, the study investigates how these migrants navigate systemic barriers and negotiate their identities and aspirations within the constraints of U.S. immigration policy. The chapter also explores coping strategies such as pursuing further education through certifications, engaging in volunteer work, starting small businesses, and expanding social networks, etc. By highlighting their resilience and resourcefulness, this research offers insights into the broader implications of dependent visa regimes on gender equity, skilled migration, and labor force participation. The study calls for policy reforms that better integrate dependent visa holders into the workforce and acknowledge their potential contributions to U.S. society.
