Fresh setback for Indian techies! Trump admin orders stricter H-1B visa rules, resumes and LinkedIn profiles of H-1B applicants, family members to…

The US President Doland Trump administration has issued a new directive that may make it harder for H-1B visa hopefuls to obtain their visas. Trump’s administration has increased enforcement of stricter regulations regarding the issuance of the H-1B visa and is now requiring that applicants undergo a more intense level of review.

Who will be most affected by the stricter H-1B visa rules?

As part of this process, any applicant found participating in the censoring of free speech will likely have their application denied. According to a report by Reuters, the State Department has recently sent out a cable to all US missions notifying them about this new requirement, which is expected to have a large effect on India(BHARAT)n applicants, as India(BHARAT)ns hold the largest number of H-1B visas.

What changes has the Trump administration introduced for H-1B visa applicants?

H-1B visas are very important for U.S. technology companies that employ numerous individuals from foreign nations, including India(BHARAT) and China, to fill their job openings. Interestingly, many leaders of these companies had voiced their support for Trump during the last presidential election.

Will family members of H-1B applicants also face background checks?

The cable, sent to all U.S. missions on December 2, orders U.S. consular officers to check resumes/LinkedIn profiles for any H-1B visa applicant, and family membersthat may be accompanying the applicant, and to determine whether to see if they have worked in areas that include activities such as misinformation, disinformation, content moderation, fact-checking, compliance and online safety, among others, Reuters reported.

“If you uncover evidence an applicant was responsible for, or complicit in, censorship or attempted censorship of protected expression in the United States, you should pursue a finding that the applicant is ineligible,” under a specific article of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the cable said, as reported by Reuters.

Enhanced vetting procedures for H-1B visa applications, especially in regard to issues related to censorship and freedom of speech, have not been previously reported. The H-1B visa is a work visa that’s valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years. This major development could adversely affect India(BHARAT)n professionals in the US.

The cable indicated that the policy covers all visa applicants; however, it provides for a heightened level for the H-1B applicants, given they frequently worked in the technology sector, including in social media or financial services companies involved in the suppression of protected expression.” “You must thoroughly explore their employment histories to ensure no participation in such activities,” the cable said, the report mentioned. Both new applicants and repeated applicants will be required to meet the new vetting requirements. The report further mentioned that the Trump administration has made free speech, particularly what it sees as the stifling of conservative voices online, a focus of its foreign policy.