H-1B visa applicants face more disruptions amid social media checks and wage protection rules – CNBC

Report on H-1B Visa Policy Changes and Their Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The H-1B visa program, crucial for skilled foreign workers in the United States, is facing significant policy challenges in 2025. Recent actions by the U.S. administration have introduced new restrictions and procedural changes that impact applicants, particularly from India, who constitute over 70% of recipients. This report analyzes these developments with a focus on their alignment and implications for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Recent Policy Actions Affecting H-1B Visa Applicants

Online Presence Reviews and Social Media Screening

• Since December 15, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in India has implemented online presence reviews for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants to prevent program abuse.
• The U.S. Department of State has expanded social media reviews globally for these applicants to identify security threats and discrepancies in application data.
• Experts warn that these measures may cause inefficiencies and delays, potentially hindering the timely employment of skilled workers.

Proposed Wage Protection and Weighted Selection Rules

• The U.S. Department of Labor proposed a wage protection law that would substantially increase the prevailing wage for H-1B holders, potentially reducing employer sponsorship.
• The Department of Homeland Security is reviewing a weighted selection rule prioritizing the highest-paid workers in the H-1B lottery system.
• These changes may disproportionately affect recent graduates and early-career professionals, limiting access to emerging and critical fields.

Impact on Key Employers and Workforce

1. Top sponsors of H-1B visas include Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Tata Consultancy Services, and Google.
2. Potential job losses and reduced sponsorships may occur if new rules are implemented.
3. Delays in visa appointments, especially in India, have disrupted the ability of workers to return to the U.S., with some appointments postponed up to August 2025.

Political Context and Industry Response

Domestic Political Motivations

• Policy changes appear driven by domestic political considerations aiming to protect American labor markets.
• Statements from U.S. officials emphasize restricting H-1B visas to prevent companies from seeking cheaper foreign labor options.
• President Donald Trump’s administration increased the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 for new applications, sparking controversy.

Industry and Legal Challenges

• The increased visa fees and restrictions have slowed hiring and reduced the available talent pool.
• Companies have responded by upskilling existing employees and building talent pipelines through American universities.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and attorneys general from 20 states have filed lawsuits challenging the fee hikes and restrictions.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Restricting H-1B visas may limit opportunities for skilled workers, affecting economic growth and innovation.
• Delays and reduced sponsorships could hinder the development of a diverse and skilled workforce.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Prioritizing highest-paid workers may exclude recent graduates and early-career professionals, limiting access to quality employment aligned with their education.
• Upskilling initiatives by companies support lifelong learning and skill development.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Disproportionate impact on Indian applicants may exacerbate inequalities in global labor mobility.
• Legal challenges highlight concerns about equitable access to employment opportunities.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Enhanced visa screening aims to improve security and institutional integrity but may also introduce inefficiencies.
• Transparency and fairness in visa policies are critical to uphold trust in immigration systems.

Conclusion

The evolving U.S. H-1B visa policies present complex challenges that intersect with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. While aiming to protect domestic labor markets and national security, these measures risk restricting access to skilled talent, delaying employment, and impacting international cooperation. Balancing these objectives with the promotion of decent work, quality education, and reduced inequalities remains essential for sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses employment-related visa policies impacting H-1B visa holders, affecting labor markets and economic growth.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The visa policy changes disproportionately affect Indian applicants, highlighting issues of inequality and access to opportunities.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article mentions social media reviews and security vetting processes, relating to governance, rule of law, and institutional transparency.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 8 Targets
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.
   • Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth not in education, employment or training.
   • Implied indicators include the number of H-1B visas issued, sponsorship rates by companies, and wage levels for visa holders.
2. For SDG 10 Targets
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
   • Implied indicators include demographic data on visa recipients and the impact of policy changes on specific nationalities (e.g., Indian applicants).
3. For SDG 16 Targets
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
   • Indicator 16.10.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information.
   • Implied indicators include the transparency and efficiency of visa processing and screening procedures, and the impact of social media reviews on applicants.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cnbc.com