Immigration crackdown: Now, long wait for many seeking US visa renewal

US President Donald Trump's 20 January executive order has introduced stricter visa regulations, impacting applicants worldwide, including in India. Indian travellers renewing US visas now face delays owing to a policy change under the new executive order.

According to a New Indian Express report, a US government official confirmed that the US state department is conducting a full review of the visa programme in compliance with Executive Order 14161. This review is part of broader efforts to enhance immigration screening and vetting processes under the new regulations.

The key change includes reducing the eligibility window for visa interview waivers from 48 to 12 months, leading to longer wait times. The order also reinstates strict vetting standards and mandates a review of visa policies to enhance national security. This affects nonimmigrant visas like H-1B and B1/B2.

Executive Order 14161, signed by Trump on 20 January, mandates stricter immigration policies to prevent 'foreign terrorist threats'. It requires the secretary of state, attorney-general, secretary of homeland security, and director of national intelligence to submit a report within 60 days outlining new security measures.

The H-1B visa is for specialty occupations, while the B1/B2 visa allows travel for business or tourism. These groups previously benefited from relaxed rules introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. The change will lead to longer wait times for renewals.

The executive order aims to reinstate standardised screening and vetting procedures that were in place on 19 January 2021, for all visa and immigration applicants. This change is intended to enhance national security by ensuring consistent enforcement of entry requirements.

The order enhances immigration screening to prevent individuals posing national security or public safety risks from entering the US. It reinstates stricter vetting procedures and mandates federal agencies to apply uniform screening standards. The order affects visa issuance, increasing scrutiny for both nonimmigrant and immigrant applicants.