- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:40 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Nalin Haley, son of former US ambassador and Republican leader Nikki Haley, has drawn criticism after joining social media commentary mocking Indian professionals stranded in India due to prolonged delays in US H-1B visa processing. Hundreds of Indian nationals who travelled home for visa stamping are now unable to return to their jobs in the United States after American consulates deferred interview appointments by at least six months.
In a series of posts, Nalin Haley echoed rhetoric commonly used by critics of the H-1B programme, claiming that Indians cannot be “stranded” in their own country. He also suggested that the Indian government raised the issue with Washington primarily because of concerns over remittance flows. “Delaying visas is good but not good enough. We need a complete H-1B visa ban,” he wrote.
Haley has previously argued that foreign workers take jobs from Americans, saying some of his college friends have struggled to find employment in the current economy.
You can’t be stranded in your own country. The Indian government is only complaining cuz they want their remittance money. Delaying visas is good but not enough. We need a complete H-1B visa ban https://t.co/GVA9wpKjG4
— Nalin Haley (@Nalin_Haley) December 27, 2025
India Acknowledges Representations
The comments came as the Indian government acknowledged receiving multiple representations from affected nationals. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing that authorities were aware of the difficulties faced by Indian citizens due to the rescheduling of US visa appointments and were in contact with American officials.
The disruption follows a policy change announced by the United States in mid-December. From December 15, the US expanded enhanced social media vetting to all H-1B visa applicants and their dependents, leading to additional background checks.
“In every visa case, we will take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a risk to the safety and security of the United States,” a US Embassy spokesperson said, adding that appointments are adjusted based on operational requirements.
Holiday Travel Turns Into Open-Ended Wait
What was intended to be a short holiday-season visit to India has turned into an indefinite wait for many professionals. Applicants with interviews scheduled between December 15 and December 26 received emails informing them that their appointments had been postponed.
According to immigration lawyers and official communications cited by US media, all interviews scheduled from December 15 onward were affected. The US State Department said the delays were linked to enhanced screening measures aimed at safeguarding national security and public safety.