India, Dec. 10 -- Amid Donald Trump's ongoing crackdown on illegal immigrants, the US State Department has temporarily cancelled many H-1B visa appointments in India due to "operational constraints" and the introduction of a new social media assessment for applicants, as per several immigration lawyers.

The affected candidates have received emails from the US Consulates in Hyderabad and Chennai urging them not to show up for their initial appointments.

"As of December 15, the Department of State will conduct an online presence review for all H-1B applicants and their dependents, in addition to the students and exchange visitors already subject to this review," the consulate informed applicants via email, as per Newsweek.

"The Consulate...