New Delhi . Thousands of H-1B visa holders who came to India for work permit renewal and holidays in the month of December are currently facing a serious crisis. A large number of Indian professionals are stranded in the country due to the sudden and without prior notice cancellation of visa appointments by the US Embassy and Consulates. Those whose interviews were scheduled between December 15 and 26 are now being given new dates several months later. This unexpected delay has not only put a question mark on the careers of the employees, but has also started affecting the operations of American tech companies.

Amidst this uncertainty, the world’s leading tech company Google has issued an internal memo to its employees highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The company has strictly advised its H-1B visa holding employees to avoid international travel for the time being. Google believes that the risk of being stuck outside America for a long time has now increased significantly. This is not the first time Google has called for such precautions; Even before this, the company has advised its employees to stay within the country.

It is noteworthy that Google appoints approximately one thousand H-1B professionals every year, and delay in this process can affect the company’s important projects. Experts and immigration experts believe that America’s new and strict visa-checking policy is a major reason behind the cancellation of appointments. Under this policy, applicants’ social media activities and online presence are now being closely reviewed. US officials argue that in view of national security this process is essential to identify those who may pose a risk in the future.

This entire incident is being considered a part of the broader anti-immigration policies of the current US administration. The H-1B program, which once opened America’s doors to high-skilled foreign professionals, is now under tight restrictions. It is noteworthy that Indians account for more than 70 percent of those receiving H-1B visas. The Donald Trump administration has taken a tough stance on the program in recent months, including imposing steep fees on new applications. Immigration lawyers have called it the biggest administrative mess ever, as these sudden decisions have left the future of thousands of families hanging in the balance.