As India accounts for the largest share of H-1B visa holders in the United States, changes to visa processing rules have had a significant impact on Indian professionals.
A social media vetting requirement introduced in late 2025 contributed to lengthy delays in visa appointments, leaving thousands of H-1B holders stranded in India while attempting to renew visa stamps. The backlog was exacerbated by two key policy changes: applicants were required to complete visa stamping in their home country, and all visa renewal applications became subject to social media screening.
The issue has also been raised through diplomatic channels between India and the United States.
US Says Rules Apply Globally
Addressing concerns during a roundtable discussion organised by the New York Foreign Press Center, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the measures were not directed at India but were part of a broader effort to apply immigration laws consistently worldwide.
“When it comes to visas, what we had here for a long time with previous administrations was inconsistent application of visa law. That is no longer the case. We are consistently applying visa law across the board. I think that will offer clarity,” Pigott said.
“There are no visa laws that target India. These are global visa laws that are being implemented with clarity, clear instructions that are being applied across the board,” he added.
Balancing Immigration and Domestic Employment
Pigott said the United States would continue working with international partners to facilitate the movement of people needed for trade, investment and employment.
“When it comes to visa policy in general, we are of course going to work with other countries to allow people to enter the country that are needed for trade and investment, to work,” he said.
At the same time, he emphasised that the US government seeks to ensure employment opportunities remain available to American citizens.
“We also are clear, as in any country, that if you are going to create a job in the US, that we want to make sure that Americans have opportunities there,” he said.
Pigott noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly stressed that every nation pursues policies based on its own national interests.
No India-Specific Restrictions
Reiterating the administration’s position, Pigott said the United States remains committed to facilitating the entry of workers needed to support investment, business activity and workforce development.
“Of course, we’re going to facilitate and allow ways that people need to come in to facilitate investment, to train workers, and make sure that visa policies are in place to allow that to happen,” he said.
“We’re applying the laws consistently across the board. There are no visa laws that target India specifically.”
The comments come amid continuing concerns among Indian professionals and technology workers over visa processing delays, appointment backlogs and increased scrutiny associated with H-1B visa renewals.
