Trump administration tightens H-1B visa rules for foreign tech experts

Washington (Web Desk): The Trump administration has announced stricter policies for the H-1B visa program, aimed at foreign skilled workers seeking employment in the United States. According to the new guidelines, consular officers will be given the authority to scrutinize applicants' professional backgrounds, online activities, past responsibilities, and digital profiles in detail.

This decision, based on national security concerns, is intended to prevent individuals with conflicting ideologies or actions from gaining access to sensitive technologies or key sectors. The stricter measures will apply not only to new applicants but also to those reapplying for the visa.

Government officials argue that this level of scrutiny is necessary, while critics fear that vague accusations or personal interpretations may harm applicants.

H-1B visas, which are crucial for fields like technology, engineering, and medicine, are widely used by skilled professionals from countries like India and China. Changes to the visa policy could have global repercussions.

According to the December 2nd directive, U.S. missions are instructed to thoroughly review applicants' and their families' LinkedIn profiles, CVs, and online activities, especially those related to misleading content, surveillance, fact-checking, compliance, or online safety.

If an applicant is found to have participated in efforts to restrict freedom of speech in the U.S., their visa could be denied under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

It’s also worth noting that the Trump administration previously mandated social media checks for student visas, and H-1B visa fees were recently raised.