H-1B Visa Holders Stranded: US Reschedules Renewals Amid New Vetting Policy

• Indian H-1B visa holders are stranded in India after US consulates abruptly rescheduled their work permit renewal appointments.
• Appointments between December 15 and 26 were cancelled due to a new Trump administration social media vetting policy.
• The policy expands online presence checks to H-1B and H-4 applicants, previously covering F, M, and J visa categories.
• Immigration lawyers report hundreds of clients affected, with one calling it the "biggest mess."
• The State Department prioritizes thorough vetting over quick processing; India accounts for 71% of H-1B holders.

Why It Matters: New US social media vetting policy strands H-1B visa holders in India, causing uncertainty.