WASHINGTON: Indian H-1B visa holders are facing months-long uncertainty after US consulates in India delayed appointments due to new screening requirements, a development that has triggered concern on Capitol Hill, while the Trump Administration has strongly defended its tougher vetting, arguing that this is a national security necessity.
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, said the December 3 announcement of the State Department to expand mandatory online presence reviews to all H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependents has led to sudden appointment cancellations and lengthy delays, leaving families unable to return to the United States despite having jobs, homes, and children enrolled in school.
The change came as hundreds of families had long-scheduled visa appointments aligned with year-end travel.