H-1B visa
Enhanced Social Media Screening for H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants: New Policy Implementation Starting December 15
Dec 15, 2025 02:41 am CST
The Trump administration is implementing new social media vetting procedures for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants beginning December 15, requiring public profile settings for comprehensive review. This expansion of screening measures, previously applied only to student visas, represents the latest step in tightened immigration policies affecting thousands of foreign workers, particularly Indian technology professionals and physicians who form the largest group of H-1B visa holders.
20 US States Challenge Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: Impact on Healthcare and Education
Dec 13, 2025 09:53 am CST
Twenty US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration's $100,000 H-1B visa fee, arguing it's illegal and threatens essential public services. Led by California, the lawsuit claims the policy bypasses required rulemaking processes and would worsen critical staffing shortages in education and healthcare sectors, where H-1B professionals play vital roles. The controversial fee affects a program that serves as a key pathway for skilled foreign workers, particularly in technology, medicine, and academia.
US Tightens Visa Rules: Tourist Applications Rejected for Birth Tourism and Expanded Social Media Screening for H-1B Applicants
Dec 11, 2025 09:45 pm CST
The US embassy in India has announced stricter visa policies, rejecting tourist visa applications if consular officers determine the primary purpose is birth tourism. Additionally, the US has expanded social media screening to include all H-1B workers and their H-4 dependents, effective December 15. This development follows the Trump administration's directive to enhance security protocols, creating uncertainty for thousands of visa applicants whose appointments are being rescheduled during the implementation of these new measures.
New US Policy Requires H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants to Make Social Media Profiles Public for Enhanced Security Screening
Dec 04, 2025 03:57 pm CST
Starting December 15, the US State Department will implement new vetting procedures requiring all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents to set their social media profiles to "public" as part of enhanced security screening. This measure, previously applied only to students and exchange visitors, represents the latest in a series of immigration restrictions under the Trump administration, which has also introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas and paused immigration applications from 19 countries of concern.
Enhanced Vetting Requirements for H-1B Visa Applicants Under Trump Administration Target Free Speech Concerns
Dec 04, 2025 08:28 am CST
The Trump administration has implemented new vetting procedures for H-1B visa applicants, scrutinizing backgrounds for involvement in content moderation or "censorship" activities. This policy affects both new and returning applicants, requiring consular officers to examine work histories in detail. Tech companies relying on talent from countries like India and China may face impacts as the administration prioritizes free speech protection in its visa approval process.
AI Recruitment Firm Promises H-1B Sponsorship Despite Restrictions: Impact on IIT-Delhi Students
Dec 04, 2025 01:34 am CST
A US-based artificial intelligence recruitment firm has captured attention at IIT-Delhi with bold advertisements promising continued H-1B visa sponsorship despite increasing restrictions. This comes as welcome news to students worried about stricter US immigration policies, including a $100,000 fee increase for visa applications starting in 2025. Indian tech students view these opportunities as valuable for gaining international exposure despite Trump administration's crackdown on the visa program widely used by Indian technology professionals.
H-1B Approvals for Indian IT Companies Hit 10-Year Low: Shifting Trends in Tech Recruitment
Dec 01, 2025 05:31 pm CST
H-1B visa approvals for major Indian IT firms have dropped to a decade-low of 4,573, marking a 70% decline since 2015. Meanwhile, US tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft now dominate new H-1B approvals as companies shift focus from recruiting abroad to retaining existing talent. TCS remains the only Indian company among the top five H-1B employers, with continuing-employment applications now far outpacing new visa requests across the industry.
Elon Musk Defends H-1B Visa Program Despite Acknowledging System Abuse: America Needs Global Talent
Dec 01, 2025 09:10 am CST
Elon Musk discusses the vital role of H-1B visas in America's tech industry, acknowledging program misuse while emphasizing the continued need for skilled international talent. Despite recent visa restrictions, Musk argues that eliminating the program would harm American innovation as companies struggle to find sufficient domestic talent for technical roles.
Trump Administration Launches Project Firewall: Enforcing H-1B Visa Rules to Protect American Workers
Nov 26, 2025 02:28 pm CST
The Trump administration has introduced Project Firewall, a collaborative initiative between the Department of Labor and EEOC designed to enforce H-1B visa regulations and prioritize American workers in hiring processes. While maintaining a "nuanced" approach to skilled immigration, Trump insists qualified Americans must not be replaced by foreign workers, with increased scrutiny on employers' compliance with labor laws.
Sundar Pichai Defends H-1B Visa Program: "Immigrants' Contribution to US Tech Sector is Phenomenal"
Nov 19, 2025 11:11 pm CST
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, who began his U.S. journey as an international student before becoming a tech leader, has praised the crucial role immigrants play in America's technology innovation. As debates intensify around potential H-1B visa restrictions, Pichai emphasizes the program's importance while acknowledging ongoing government efforts to address its shortcomings, highlighting the significant impact of immigrant professionals—particularly from India—who make up over 70% of H-1B visa holders.