H-1B Visa Stamping in India Pushed to 2027, Sparking Claims of Targeted Discrimination
In a significant development affecting thousands of professionals, H-1B visa stamping dates at US consulates in India have been deferred until 2027, leading to widespread frustration and allegations of targeted discrimination against Indian-Americans. The Indian-American Advocacy Council co-founder Rajeev Sharma has strongly criticized this move, describing it as a deliberate targeting of Indian-Americans who have legally earned their right to work in the United States and have been contributing substantially to the US economy.
Contrasting Visa Policies Highlight Inequities
Sharma drew a sharp contrast between the treatment of H-1B workers from India, who are facing prolonged delays in visa processing, and the relatively smoother entry of OnlyFans creators into the US on O-1 visas. He labeled the situation as "pathetic" and pointed fingers at political leadership, stating, "And @POTUS and @JDVance are trading H-1B Indians for OnlyFans models on visas instead. Absolutely pathetic." He further added that if the administration had maintained transparency, they would have adhered to agreements made in September, but instead, what he termed as "soft Islamism" has influenced policy decisions.
Evolution of H-1B Overhaul and Its Impact
The current delays trace back to the H-1B overhaul initiated during the Trump administration, which began with the introduction of a $100,000 visa fee. Sharma highlighted the progression of the issue, noting that initially, visa stamping was delayed until March 2026, catching many off guard who had planned vacations before returning to work in January. "Now? Visa stamping delayed until 2027!" he exclaimed, emphasizing that this represents a 100% targeting of Indian Americans who have already undergone vetting and arrived legally to contribute economically. He warned that these constantly shifting deadlines could lead to job losses for many Indian-Americans who had placed their trust in the government.
Current H-1B Situation and Social Media Vetting
Since December 15, 2025, the US State Department has implemented social media vetting for H-1B applicants and their dependents on H-4 visas. This additional screening process, which involves reviewing applicants' social media accounts, has reduced the processing capacity of consular offices, leading to interview deferrals. Initially, interviews scheduled for December were postponed to April 2026, with rescheduling occurring in a random order that left some applicants confused. By January, many received notifications that their interviews had been pushed further to 2027, exacerbating the uncertainty.
Understanding H-1B Visa Stamping and Its Critical Role
H-1B visa stamping is the process of obtaining a visa sticker in one's passport from a US embassy or consulate outside the country, which is essential for entry into the United States. Many H-1B visa holders traveled to India to renew their stamping as their existing ones neared expiration. However, with the new delays, they are now stranded, unable to return to the US without fresh stamping and forced to wait for months, disrupting their careers and personal lives.
This situation has ignited a debate over visa policies and their impact on skilled workers, with many calling for more transparent and fair processing to support those who have legally contributed to the US economy.
