United States: The United States has implemented a new, stricter screening process for H-1B visas and their dependents (H-4), delaying visa appointments at US embassies in India for months. This has left hundreds of Indian families stranded abroad. Concerns have also been raised in the US Congress, although the Trump administration maintains it is a national security necessity.
Appointments Cancelled, Families’ Difficulties Increase
US Congresswoman Debbie Dingell said that after the State Department mandated online attendance checks for all H-1B and H-4 applicants on December 3rd, many appointments were suddenly canceled. Many families who had already traveled to India for interviews are now forced to wait for months.
In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Dingell stated that many families are unable to return to the US despite having homes, jobs, and children’s education. In one case, an appointment was pushed back three months less than 48 hours before the scheduled date, preventing a U.S. citizen child from attending school for months.
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Debbie Dingell, calling the situation unacceptable, demanded a clear timeline and solution from the State Department. She asked how long the new online screening process would take and how stranded families would be helped. She requested a response within two weeks.
US Defends Policy in the Name of Security
Meanwhile, the State Department defended the policy, stating that it is necessary for national security. Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said that during the previous administration, the large number of people entering the U.S. made proper screening impossible. Now, the government is implementing an “America-First” visa policy.
He said that visa security is the essence of border security and that it is essential to prevent people from entering the U.S. who may break the law or abuse their visas.
According to the State Department, nearly 95,000 visas have been canceled through 2025, including more than 8,000 for international students, highlighting the scale of this crackdown.