The United States has intensified its visa crackdown under the Trump administration, with more than 85,000 visas cancelled since January 2025. The move has added new uncertainty for Indian professionals, as many H‑1B visa interviews have now been postponed, some until March 2025, due to new “social media vetting” rules.
According to the US State Department, visa cancellations are part of a broader effort to tighten immigration and enhance national security. A large number of the cancelled visas reportedly belong to students and temporary workers, with reasons ranging from criminal violations such as DUI, theft, and assault, to other undisclosed security factors.
The US Embassy has issued a cautionary advisory for visa applicants stating that anyone who gets their appointment canceled, their appointment will be rescheduled sometime ahead. This means that after receiving the cancellation appointment if the applicant shows up on the date scheduled before cancellation then that previous date will not be considered. Some interviews set for late December are now being scheduled for the March month.
A new scrutiny rule has been introduced by the Trump government. The US State Department has introduced mandatory social media screening for all H‑1B workers and H‑4 dependents from 15 December 2025. According to immigration lawyer Steven Brown, people applying for visas now have to allow the U.S. officials to examine their accounts. Online behavior gets examined - just in case it hints at risks to safety or order. Officials stress every visa pick ties directly into protecting the nation.
This rule stirred tension in the Indian H‑1B applicants, especially those waiting on interview slots. Specialists warn tighter checks might mean longer waits, piling stress on pros aiming to land jobs across the U.S.
The H‑1B visa lets U.S. firms bring in trained workers from abroad - this has bothered the Trump government for years. Back in September, officials added an extra fee of $100,000 (about ₹88 lakh) to fresh H‑1B applications, saying tighter checks were needed while cutting back on hiring overseas talent.
In addition to the recent cancellations, several green card, citizenship, and other immigration applications have been suspended, particularly from applicants linked to countries flagged for security risks. The move follows an incident in which an immigrant of Afghan origin attacked US National Guard personnel.
The latest developments have sparked unease among global applicants and immigration advocacy groups. Many argue that the current policies risk punishing legitimate and qualified professionals while offering little evidence that such blanket restrictions boost security.
As the Trump administration continues to push its “America First” immigration agenda, Indian visa seekers, especially those waiting for H‑1B approvals, face growing uncertainty.
If trends persist, experts warn that the tightening measures could impact the availability of high-skilled talent in the US technology and healthcare sectors, areas heavily reliant on foreign professionals from India.