H-1B Social Media Rule That Stranded Indians Faces Lawsuit

A new social media screening rule linked to H-1B visas has triggered a legal challenge in the United States. The policy has reportedly left hundreds of Indian workers stranded outside the country while waiting for visa processing and appointments.

A group of technology researchers filed a lawsuit against the US State Department in a Washington court. The case argues that the visa rule targeting social media related work could violate free speech protections under US law.

The policy was first introduced in May 2025 by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Initially, it applied only to student visas. The rule allows consular officers to deny or revoke visas if certain social media activity is seen as a possible national security concern.

On December 15, the policy was expanded to cover work visas as well. This change affected applicants seeking H-1B and H-4 visa. Soon after the expansion, visa backlogs increased and several appointments were rescheduled in India.

The lawsuit has been filed by the Coalition for Independent Technology Research. According to the group, the administration may be using visa authority to restrict research it disagrees with. Areas such as algorithm studies, content moderation and social media analysis could face scrutiny.

Indian professionals are among the most affected by the rule. More than 70 percent of H-1B visas are typically granted to applicants from India. As a result, the new screening process has slowed visa approvals and processing timelines.

US consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi have reportedly postponed many visa renewal interviews. Thousands of appointments have been moved to later dates. In some cases, interviews have been rescheduled as far ahead as 2027.

Immigration lawyers say the delays have created serious challenges for workers. Many Indian professionals who travelled home for visa renewals are now unable to return to their jobs in the United States. The situation has left several families and careers uncertain.