New Delhi:
Immigration lawyers have strongly criticised the US government after hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders were left stranded in India when their visa renewal appointments were abruptly cancelled or rescheduled this month.
The disruption comes at a time when many high-skilled Indian professionals had travelled home to renew their US work permits, only to find themselves unable to return. According to a Washington Post report, visa appointments scheduled between December 15 and December 26 were cancelled by US consular offices, coinciding with the holiday season.
Lawyers Say Hundreds Affected
Emily Neumann, partner at Houston-based immigration firm Reddy Neumann Brown PC, said at least 100 of her clients are currently stuck in India. Immigration lawyer Veena Vijay Ananth, based in India, and Charles Kuck, who practices in Atlanta, said they were each handling a dozen similar cases.
“This is the biggest mess we have seen. I’m not sure there is a plan,” Ananth told the Washington Post.
Neumann raised concerns over the long-term impact on employers, asking, “How long are companies going to be willing to wait for these people?”
India Dominates H-1B Workforce
According to an April 2025 report by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Indian nationals account for 71 per cent of all H-1B visa holders, making the disruptions particularly severe for Indian professionals and US companies reliant on their expertise.
US Cites National Security Checks
The US State Department said the delays are linked to the rollout of a new social media and online presence vetting policy introduced under the Donald Trump administration.
“Embassies and consulates are now prioritising thorough vetting of each visa case to ensure applicants do not pose a threat to US national security or public safety,” a State Department spokesperson said.
The US Embassy in India confirmed on December 10 that social media reviews have been expanded to cover all H-1B speciality occupation workers and their H-4 dependents.
Previously, such checks were limited to student and exchange visitor visa categories such as F, M, and J. However, starting December 15, the enhanced vetting process applies to H-1B and H-4 applicants as well.
Other Policy Changes Add to Uncertainty
The State Department had earlier announced in July that H-1B holders and their dependents would no longer be allowed to renew visas in third countries, effective September 2.
Adding to concerns, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on September 19, introducing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications. The fee applies only to individuals or companies filing new petitions or entering the H-1B lottery after September 21, and does not affect existing visa holders.
Growing Anxiety Among Workers and Employers
With no clear timeline for rescheduled interviews, immigration experts warn that prolonged delays could disrupt businesses, careers, and families, particularly for Indian professionals who form the backbone of the US tech and healthcare workforce.