State Department
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.
US Revokes 85,000 Visas in 2023: Strengthening Public Safety Through Enhanced Immigration Enforcement
Dec 09, 2025 10:48 am CST
The United States has revoked 85,000 visas across multiple categories in 2023, doubling previous numbers, with 8,000 student visas included. Primary reasons for revocation include DUIs, assaults, and theft, as part of the State Department's intensified efforts to protect American communities. The Trump administration maintains stringent vetting procedures, particularly for applicants from high-risk environments such as Afghanistan, emphasizing that security checks will not be rushed.
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.
Abandoned Diplomatic Outposts: The Silent Stories of US-Housed Embassies from Afghanistan, Iran, and Venezuela
Nov 21, 2025 04:33 pm CST
In Washington's prestigious Kalorama district, several diplomatic buildings stand abandoned, reflecting dramatic shifts in international relations. From Afghanistan's embassy closure following the Taliban's return to power, to Syria's recent symbolic reopening, and Iran's long-vacant property, these diplomatic outposts tell compelling stories of geopolitical upheaval while raising questions about their maintenance and future under international conventions.
US Removes Syria's President Al-Sharaa From Terrorism Blacklist Before Historic Washington Meeting
Nov 08, 2025 10:27 am CST
The United States has officially removed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from its terrorism blacklist prior to his landmark White House visit with President Trump. This diplomatic shift follows UN sanctions removal and recognizes Syria's new leadership after the Assad regime's fall, despite concerns from regional ally Israel.
Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Enforce Transgender and Non-Binary Passport Restrictions
Nov 07, 2025 06:03 am CST
The US Supreme Court has permitted President Trump's administration to implement a policy restricting transgender and nonbinary individuals from choosing passport gender markers aligned with their identity. The conservative-majority ruling suspends a lower court order while legal challenges proceed, with liberal justices dissenting on grounds that the policy could expose transgender people to discrimination and harassment.
US Chamber Of Commerce Challenges Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee in Federal Lawsuit
Oct 17, 2025 09:38 am CST
The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the legality of the newly imposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee. The Chamber argues this dramatic increase from the previous $3,600 fee violates immigration laws and would significantly harm American businesses, particularly tech companies that rely on foreign talent. The administration defends the fee as a measure to protect American workers, while offering exemptions for existing visa holders.
Indian-Origin Expert Ashley Tellis Refutes Allegations of Mishandling Classified Documents and Foreign Collusion
Oct 16, 2025 09:41 am CST
Ashley Tellis, a prominent Indian-American scholar and former Bush administration official, has been arrested for allegedly retaining classified documents and meeting with Chinese officials. His legal team vigorously denies all allegations, particularly claims that he operated on behalf of a foreign power. The FBI reportedly found over 1,000 pages of secret documents at his residence following surveillance of meetings with Chinese representatives.
US Revokes Visas for 6 Foreign Nationals Following Comments on Charlie Kirk Assassination
Oct 15, 2025 07:37 am CST
The U.S. State Department has revoked visas for six foreign nationals from South Africa, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Germany and Paraguay over their social media comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This action coincides with President Donald Trump posthumously awarding Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would have been his 32nd birthday.