US Tightens H-1B Visa Rules: Social Media Scrutiny

The US government has announced stricter regulations for H-1B visa applicants, mandating that they make their social media profiles public starting December 15. This new requirement aims to enhance national security by allowing for more thorough vetting of applicants. The move has raised significant concerns among Indian professionals, who make up a large portion of the H-1B visa holders.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed these concerns in Parliament, stating that scrutiny of visa applicants is the prerogative of the host country. He emphasized that the issuance of visas is a sovereign right and that the US has a clear stance: every visa adjudication is a national security decision.

Jaishankar also pointed out that the US government's decision reflects its intention to closely examine the online activities of applicants. He confirmed that India has raised this issue with US authorities and urged them to consider leniency for minor violations, suggesting that such actions should not lead to severe consequences for applicants.

This directive is part of a broader trend of tightening immigration policies by the Trump administration. In September, President Trump had already implemented a proclamation imposing a one-time fee of $100,000 on new H-1B work visas, which could significantly impact Indian professionals seeking temporary employment in the US.

Furthermore, in a separate move, the US has halted Green Card and other immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries deemed to be of concern. This decision came in response to a shooting incident involving an Afghan national, highlighting the administration's focus on national security.

As these developments unfold, Indian professionals are left to navigate the complexities of the US immigration system, which continues to undergo significant changes. The implications of these new regulations will likely resonate within the Indian tech community, which heavily relies on the H-1B program for opportunities in the United States.