New Delhi, Jan. 9 -- Social media vetting, which kicked off on 15 December, has resulted in significant delays for H-1B visa holders in India. Applicants have taken to social media platforms to ask for clarity on their status and the next steps as visa processing slows down.

Among them was a Reddit user who shared his confusion about whether he could return to the United States after being laid off while visiting India. He had a valid H-1B visa.

To alleviate such fears, Livemint spoke to an immigration attorney, who explained the rules for layoffs, travel, and re-entry into the US.

Ana Gabriela Urizar, an immigration lawyer with Manifest Law, said H-1B visas are employer-specific, and their lawful status does depend on active employmen...