Immigration attorney Emily Neumann has warned that H-1B visa holders stuck at home face delays of at least six months for visa appointments due to social media vetting. "The first thing that H-1B visa holders who are now stuck at home because all appointments have been delayed by at least six months, owing to the social media vetting, is to keep their H-1B job," she said. Neumann explained that losing a job means searching for a new employer willing to cover the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, which many companies avoid. If the US employer does not allow work-from-home and the appointment is deferred, candidates can request an emergency appointment, though chances are slim. Many consulates have canceled appointments and advised candidates not to contact them before their new dates. Neumann stressed, "If you cannot get an emergency appointment, the number one goal is to make sure that you don't lose the job. Because if you do ultimately lose the job, maybe you will find a new job later in June, July, then that company has to file the H-1B petition with $100,000 visa fee as you are not in the US. Now, no company is ready to do that. You are pretty much stuck." Immigration lawyer Rahul Reddy called social media vetting "just an excuse to cut candidates off." He said any changes to visa programs require Congressional approval, which takes time. However, the Trump administration has greater power at the border to deny entry to visa holders outside the US. He advised, "All visa-holders in the US should cancel their travel plans as now is not a good time for it." The State Department has reduced the number of daily visa interviews at consulates due to the longer vetting process that began on December 15, causing appointment delays worldwide.