Amid furious debate among supporters of President Donald Trump over the H-1B visa for foreign workers , federal authorities are making in-person interviews mandatory for renewals in visa holders' home countries.

Technology companies say the visas - intended for workers with specialized skills, and requiring renewal every three years - are key to maintaining competitiveness, but critics charge they are used to suppress wages and replace U.S. workers.

Currently, H-1B holders with no visa changes can drop off renewal applications at consulates in their home countries or foreign countries, or renew remotely through federal field offices in the U.S. Under the new rule, in-person interviews are required for overseas applications, and the option to renew in countries other than the applicants

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