Post by : Rameen Ariff

This is breaking and worrying news for many Indian workers who were working in the United States. Hundreds of H-1B visa holders stranded in India are now facing serious trouble after their visa interviews were suddenly delayed.

Earlier this month, many Indian workers travelled from the US to India to renew their H-1B work permits. They had already booked their visa interviews at US consulates in India between December 15 and December 26. This time period also matched the US holiday season.

However, without warning, their interviews were postponed to next year. Many workers were later told that their new interview dates are now in March.

Why the Interviews Were Delayed

The US State Department sent emails to the affected workers. In the email, it said the interviews were delayed because of a new social media checking policy.

Under this new rule, visa officials are checking social media accounts of visa applicants. The goal, according to the US authorities, is to make sure that no applicant is a threat to national security or public safety.

Because of this new rule, H-1B visa holders stranded in India are unable to return to their jobs in the US.

Workers Stuck and Very Worried

Many law firms have said they are handling cases of hundreds of stranded workers. Immigration experts say this is one of the worst situations they have seen in years.

Some workers had gone to India for family events like weddings, thinking they would return quickly. Now, their old appointments have expired, and they do not know when they can go back.

There is also growing fear that US companies may not wait for too long, which could put jobs at risk.

US Embassy Warning

On December 9, the US Embassy in India issued a clear warning. It said that anyone who comes to the embassy on their old interview date, after receiving a reschedule email, will not be allowed to enter.

Applicants were told to come only on their new appointment date.

India Has the Most H-1B Workers

According to official data released earlier this year, India makes up about 71% of all H-1B visa holders. This means the current delay has affected a very large number of Indian workers.

Because of this, the issue of H-1B visa holders stranded in India has become a major concern for families, companies, and legal experts.

Tech Companies Issue Travel Warnings

Big technology companies have also taken note of the problem. Some companies have warned their employees not to travel outside the US.

They said visa processing delays at US embassies can now last up to 12 months. Employees were told that foreign travel could lead to a long and forced stay outside the US.

More Pressure on H-1B Program

The new social media checks are part of stricter rules on the H-1B program. Earlier, similar checks were done only for students, but now they also apply to workers.

In recent months, the US government has taken several tough steps, including:

• Extra fees on new H-1B visas

• Pausing some immigration applications from certain countries

All this has added more stress for H-1B visa holders stranded in India.

Why This News Matters

This is latest and serious news for Indian professionals working in the US. Many are stuck far from their jobs, worried about their future, income, and families.

Until the interview delays are cleared, the problem of H-1B visa holders stranded in India is expected to continue.

#Global News #Travel News