US Introduces Strict Visa Screening for Foreigners

On October 1, the United States implemented significant alterations to its immigration policies, intensifying scrutiny for both visa holders and applicants. The State Department reported revoking over 250,000 visas since President Donald Trump assumed office, citing reasons ranging from visa misuse to concerns over national security. Among these revocations, approximately 2,300 were attributed to cases of birth tourism, wherein foreign nationals traveled to the US primarily for the purpose of giving birth.

In response to these changes, immigration authorities are also tightening the rules for certain B1 and B2 visa holders, as well as those seeking asylum, who may face heightened scrutiny if they later apply for asylum. The State Department has broadened its social media screening to encompass more visa categories, including I visas for foreign media workers and TN and TD visas for Canadian and Mexican professionals and their dependents.

Applicants in these categories may be required to maintain public social media profiles for review throughout the visa application process.

Additionally, the new fiscal year has reset visa limits, potentially expediting approval for some employment-based green card applicants while imposing longer wait times for others. Indian nationals, in particular, continue to experience extended wait periods in several employment-based green card categories. Furthermore, non-citizens might encounter alterations in their eligibility for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, contingent upon their visa category, immigration status, nationality, and the applicant's priority date for green card applications.

The full ramifications of these policy changes will vary based on individual circumstances, including visa category, immigration status, nationality, and specific green card application priorities.