Hundreds of Indian professionals working in the United States on H-1B visas are facing uncertainty after sudden delays and cancellations in visa renewal appointments, triggering strong criticism from immigration lawyers. Many of these workers had travelled to India in December to renew their visas, only to find themselves stranded due to abrupt rescheduling by US consular offices.
Immigration attorneys have described the situation as the “biggest mess” they have witnessed in years. According to a Washington Post report, several H-1B visa renewal appointments scheduled between December 15 and December 26 were cancelled, coinciding with the US holiday season. Lawyers say the lack of clarity and communication has left families and employers in distress.
Emily Neumann, a partner at Houston-based immigration firm Reddy Neumann Brown PC, said at least 100 of her clients are currently stuck in India. Other lawyers, including Veena Vijay Ananth and Atlanta-based attorney Charles Kuck, reported dozens of similar cases. “There doesn’t seem to be a plan,” Ananth said, highlighting the confusion surrounding the process.
The issue comes as the US State Department implements expanded social media vetting under policies introduced by the Donald Trump administration. Officials say interviews are being delayed to ensure applicants do not pose a threat to US national security or public safety. From December 15, this enhanced scrutiny was extended to H-1B workers and their H-4 dependents.
Earlier, the State Department also ended the option for H-1B holders to renew visas in third countries and introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications from September 21. These changes have added to the pressure on applicants.
According to USCIS data from April 2025, Indians make up 71% of all H-1B visa holders, making the impact of these delays particularly severe. Lawyers warn that prolonged uncertainty could affect US companies relying heavily on skilled Indian professionals, raising concerns about long-term workforce stability.
