New Delhi. The Trump administration has ordered testing of H-1B visa and H-4 visa applicants from Monday. This investigation will start from today (Monday). During the investigation, everyone’s social media profiles will also be checked. The Trump administration has issued a new order saying that from December 15, the online presence of those applying for H-1B visa and their dependents will be reviewed.
Students were already under the scope of this review. At the same time, now the US administration has ordered to check social media profiles along with online presence. Besides, H-1B visa and H-4 visa applicants and their dependents will also come under the purview of this investigation.
American department ordered
According to the US Department, “To simplify the investigation process, the social media profiles of all people applying for visa will also be seen. All people have been instructed to change their profiles from private to public.”
The US State Department says that getting a US visa is a privilege in itself. Therefore, it is very important to do thorough research before granting a visa. During this time, the department identifies those people who are not eligible to come to America. Such people can become a threat to national security.
The State Department further said-
We thoroughly screen all visa applicants. All students in F, M and J categories, including foreign visitors, who have applied for visas are also included in this scrutiny.
Foreign Department warned
The State Department has warned that America needs to be cautious while issuing visas. It should be thoroughly investigated whether those applying for the visa have any intention of harming the national interests of America?
Let us tell you that most of the H-1B visa holders are Indian professionals. In September this year, Trump had increased the fee for H-1B visa to $1 lakh.
How will Indians be affected?
About 70% of those who get H-1B visas are Indians. India gets about 80,500 new H-1B visas in FY 2024, so this strictness is affecting Indian professionals the most.
America is working on a new proposal, under which social media information of the last 5 years can also be sought from tourists and business travelers. This will also affect travelers from countries like UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, who till now used to travel visa-free.
