US H-1B Visa Applicants in India Face Delays, Job Risks Amid Trump's Social Media Vetting

{ "title": "US H-1B Visa Applicants in India Face Delays, Job Risks Amid Trump's Social Media Vetting", "article": "The US State Department has temporarily suspended H-1B visa appointments in India due to operational constraints and a new social media assessment for applicants. The affected candidates have received emails from the US Consulates in Hyderabad and Chennai, advising them not to show up for their initial appointments. According to the US State Department, as of December 15, an online presence review will be conducted for all H-1B applicants and their dependents. This means that consular staff must examine applicants' online and social media accounts before proceeding with their cases. Immigration attorney Ellen Freeman warns that the delays could lead to job losses for H-1B workers stuck in India. "H-1B workers will lose their jobs now that they are stuck in India," she said. Freeman advises employers to let workers either work from India or take a prolonged leave of absence for up to five months. The new policy adds to the challenges faced by H-1B visa holders, who are already struggling with stricter regulations. The US State Department has increased the cost of an H-1B visa to $100,000 for new applications earlier this year. For H-1B applicants, immigration attorney Aizada Marat suggests the following steps: - Monitor your consulate account for any cancellations or automatic rescheduling. - Allow additional buffer time when traveling internationally. - Ensure that your online profiles and social media information are correct and publicly accessible. - If your appointment is cancelled, reach out to your attorney to discuss the next steps. The effects of the new policy have been felt most in India, where consulates manage hundreds of requests daily. The social media vetting of H-1B applicants is applicable to applicants from all nations, not just Indians."