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.