Tue Mar 18 20:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Stricter US Visa Policies Leave Indian Nationals Stranded Abroad

**New Delhi, [Date]** – Indian nationals holding H-1B, F-1 student visas, and even green cards are facing increasingly difficult challenges re-entering the United States, prompting warnings from immigration attorneys. While no official travel ban exists, reports indicate a significant tightening of visa policies impacting Indians specifically.

Attorneys are reporting a surge in visa stamping delays, heightened airport screenings, and random detentions at US airports. Even those with years of legal residency and prior visa approvals are facing potential months-long delays or permanent bans on re-entry.

A key contributing factor is a recent, unannounced change by the US Department of State eliminating dropbox interview waivers for most non-immigrant visa renewals. This leaves many, including those transitioning from F-1 to H-1B visas or those whose H-1B visas expired over a year ago, facing lengthy wait times for interviews and a significant risk of being stranded abroad.

The issues extend beyond scheduling difficulties. Immigration attorneys are observing a rise in unexplained “administrative processing” – extended security reviews and background checks – for Indian nationals, even those with multiple prior visa approvals. This echoes stricter vetting practices from previous administrations. Even approved H-1B visas offer no guarantee of entry, with consular officers retaining the power to deny visas and send cases back for further review, causing delays of four to six months or more.

Green card holders are also affected, experiencing increased secondary inspections and detentions. Some are reportedly pressured to relinquish their green cards. Elderly Indians traveling between the US and India to visit family are particularly vulnerable.

Given the escalating difficulties, immigration experts advise employers and employees to explore remote work options if travel is unavoidable. Green card holders are urged to expedite their citizenship applications and avoid international travel until they obtain a US passport. The situation underscores a significant shift in US immigration policies impacting Indian nationals, leaving many in a precarious position.

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