India reacted to the US visa rules tightening after Washington introduced stricter screening for several categories, including students and H-1B applicants. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday and explained that every nation has the authority to determine how it issues visas.
Jaishankar stated that the United States views each visa decision as a national security matter. Therefore, the US evaluates every applicant based on security concerns, digital footprints, and overall risk. He also said that Wednesday’s updated policy reflects that approach.
US Visa Rules Tightening Sparks New Concerns
The first major worry surfaced after the US required student-visa applicants to keep their social media profiles public. With the US visa rules tightening, Washington now expects the same from H-1B holders, their dependents, and other non-immigrant applicants.
Jaishankar said these changes will affect many Indian travelers. He noted that even minor infractions triggered visa cancellations earlier this year. In several cases, students received pressure to leave the country voluntarily. Consequently, the Indian missions stepped in and helped individuals who contacted consulates for support.
India Responds to the New US Approach
While answering questions in Parliament, Jaishankar stressed that India raised several cases with US authorities. He said Indian officials tried to explain that small mistakes should not force life-changing consequences for students or working professionals. Even so, the US continues to follow the policy it announced in April 2025.
The new directive instructs all applicants under H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J categories to switch their social media privacy settings to “public.” The US says these changes help identify threats and confirm an applicant’s intent to comply with visa conditions.
Why the US Expanded Its Screening Measures
The United States argues that tighter rules are essential for national security. It believes a more transparent online history helps detect harmful intent early. The State Department claimed a visa remains a privilege, not a right, and screening must stay strict to protect Americans.
Conclusion
As the US visa rules tightening continue to shape travel and immigration, India aims to protect its citizens through ongoing communication with US officials. Jaishankar emphasized that while India cannot alter another nation’s visa policies, it will continue to advocate for fair treatment of Indian applicants.
