Writer, Director Meghna Damani has dedicated her life to advocating for work authorization for dependent spouses with her autobiographical film “Hearts Suspended” (2007).

Hearts Suspended broke the silence on the issue of H-4 Dependent Spouses who as legal immigrants are denied work authorization and face isolation, depression and some cases abuse. 

After Meghna shared her intimate journey, many women developed the courage to open up about their struggles. 

Hearts Suspended was screened at the SAALT summit in 2013 to an audience of diverse community leaders. On advocacy day, Meghna shared her story and met with members of Congress. During the move for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, organizations invited her to share her story at panels and rallies. 

She helped mobilize other H4 holders through newsletters and a Facebook group. Some of them started their own advocacy groups. 

During the public comment period before the rule was passed, the students of the School of Visual Arts used her film as a case study and created a Public Service Announcement. It went viral on Facebook. The comments increased!

On May 26, 2015, approximately 179,600 dependent spouses were granted permission to apply for work authorization because of “Hearts Suspended.”

Today, the H-4 visa EAD is under threat of being revoked jeopardizing once again thousands of women and families. 

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Meghna refuses to give up the fight and is working on a media project, to document and continue advocating for dependent spouses.