H-1B Nightmare: Hundreds of Indians Stranded in India Amidst Sudden Visa Delays

• Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders are stuck in India after routine visa renewal interviews were suddenly postponed in December.
• US Department of State expanded social media and online presence checks for all H-1B/H-4 applicants, citing national security concerns.
• Interviews scheduled between December 15-26 were cancelled, leaving professionals unable to return to their US jobs.
• Immigration lawyers warn of an unprecedented backlog, with major tech firms like Google and Apple advising employees against international travel.
• The delays, affecting 71% Indian H-1B holders, are part of a broader US visa regime tightening, causing severe human and professional impact.

Why It Matters: Expanded US visa screening leaves hundreds of Indian H-1B holders stranded, creating an unprecedented backlog.