External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday emphasized that the issuance of visas is a sovereign right of any government, responding to concerns over the United States’ tightening of its visa screening process. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he said the US has declared that every visa adjudication is now a national security decision, allowing the country to assess each applicant based on potential security implications.

Jaishankar’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny by the US of visa applicants’ social media accounts, a move likely to impact Indian students, professionals, and their dependents. “In the case of student visas, the US government has asked all applicants to adjust their social media privacy settings from private to public, so posts can be examined as part of the visa vetting process,” he explained, highlighting the new policy direction.

The minister traced the policy changes back to April 2025, noting that even minor offences resulted in the cancellation or revocation of student visas, sometimes with pressure on students to self-deport. Indian authorities have intervened wherever possible, he added, working through consulates and embassies to ensure that minor offences are not unduly penalized.

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The US State Department recently expanded its vetting measures to include H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, in addition to students and exchange visitors. Starting December 15, a review of the online presence of all such applicants will be conducted. The department has clarified that a visa is a privilege, not a right, and all available information—including social media activity—will be used to identify individuals deemed inadmissible or a potential threat to national security or public safety.

Jaishankar underscored that India has taken up individual cases with US authorities whenever Indian students or professionals faced visa cancellations. He emphasized that the Indian government is seeking to ensure fairness in implementation while respecting the US government’s sovereign decision-making authority in visa matters.

The minister’s comments highlight the growing tension between visa applicants’ privacy concerns and national security measures in the US. With stricter vetting extended to H-1B, H-4, and student visa holders, Indian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for balanced application of the rules and protection of their citizens abroad.

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