Trump Administration’s Major Action on H-1B Visas: LinkedIn and Social Media Profiles to Be Scrutinized

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): There is bad news for thousands of Indian engineers and professionals dreaming of working in the United States. The Trump administration has made the H-1B visa process stricter than ever. Under the new rules, a resume alone will not be enough. U.S. officials will now conduct detailed checks of applicants’ LinkedIn profiles, social media activity, and even their family background.

New Order Issued on December 2

According to reports, the U.S. State Department issued a special cable on December 2 to all embassies and consulates worldwide. The message directs officials to screen H-1B visa applicants with extreme thoroughness. The strictest clause states that if any applicant is found involved in activities related to free speech censorship, their visa will be immediately denied.

Professionals Most Affected

Under this policy, consular officers will deeply examine applicants’ employment history and job responsibilities. The focus will be on professionals who have worked in sensitive areas such as:

Misinformation

Disinformation

Content moderation

Fact-checking

Online Safety and Compliance

The U.S. government argues that people working in these fields may, at times, restrict freedom of expression. Such applicants may be deemed ineligible for visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Tougher Rules for Existing Visa Holders

The crackdown is not limited to new applicants. Those already working in the U.S. and seeking visa extensions or renewals will also face detailed examination of their digital footprint and entire employment history.

Concerns for India’s IT Sector

Experts warn that the new process could significantly delay visa approvals. Since Indian professionals make up the largest share of workers in U.S. tech companies, the Indian IT sector is expected to be among the most affected.