I wanted to eloborate on this: it is my understanding that almost no "part-time" employers will sponsor employment here in the states and there might even be some difficulty getting sponsored by a full-time employer without some special certifications/skill-set.

I am born and raised in the US, but the firm I used to work with occasionally brought people over for 1-2 year assignments from Australia and Europe on secondment or sponsored full-time hires who were originally from other countries but went to college here in the states. I have heard stories about it being difficult to leave the company because of the difficulty in finding someone else to sponsor them. Someone else who who more experience in the area will know a lot more than me though - so I'll defer to them.

The good news is that it will be MUCH easier for your pay to support both of you in Woodland Hills than B. Hills. Do not be put off by the fact it is outside LA. It will be a short drive into LA on weekends, but it is still very accessible and your standard of living will be much higher.