New York/Washington: The US government has expanded its screening of H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, directing them to set all social media profiles to “public,” officials said on Wednesday.

The State Department said the review, beginning December 15, is aimed at enhancing vetting of applicants to identify those inadmissible or posing a threat to national security or public safety. Students and exchange visitors were already subject to such checks.

“Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the department said, adding that all available information is used to ensure applicants comply with admission terms and do not intend to harm Americans.

Indian professionals, including tech workers and physicians, form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders. In September, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation imposing a one-time USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, a move expected to significantly impact Indian workers seeking temporary employment.

Separately, the US has paused Green Card, citizenship, and other immigration applications from 19 “countries of concern” pending review, following a shooting incident involving US Army and Air Force personnel. The countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Cuba, Yemen, and several African nations.

The directive reflects the administration's broader crackdown on visa abuse and tighter immigration controls, underscoring that a US visa is considered a privilege, not a right.