The Biden administration has finalized new rules modernizing the H-1B visa program, just days before Trump's second inauguration. These changes aim to clarify specialty occupation criteria, offer flexibility to employers and beneficiaries, and enhance program integrity. Key revisions include relaxed degree requirements, deference to prior adjudications, and formalized site visits.
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Abel Tharayil, a 24-year-old from Thrissur, was found dead on a railway track in Stirling, Scotland, on March 12. British Transport Police ruled out foul play. His family, seeking further investigation, has approached authorities, including CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Union minister Suresh Gopi.
The Biden administration has finalized new rules modernizing the H-1B visa program, just days before Trump's second inauguration. These changes aim to clarify specialty occupation criteria, offer flexibility to employers and beneficiaries, and enhance program integrity. Key revisions include relaxed degree requirements, deference to prior adjudications, and formalized site visits.
Kannan Srinivasan, a first-generation Indian American immigrant and former finance professional, is running for Virginia state Senate after serving as a delegate. Known for bipartisan support, he focuses on women's reproductive rights, gun safety, and quality education. Srinivasan also addresses the recent rise in racist rhetoric around H-1B visas and maintains strong connections to his Indian heritage.
Two prominent British Indian figures, Rami Ranger and Anil Bhanot, have been stripped of their CBE and OBE honors respectively. Both denounce the move as an attack on free speech, citing complaints related to their public statements.
Following litigation efforts, ICE is reinstating international students' records after improperly revoking them in SEVIS, causing widespread disruption and fear. The terminations, often based on flawed NCIC data, affected many students, particularly from India and China. ICE is developing a new policy for SEVIS terminations to prevent future overreach and hardship.
Lord Karan Bilimoria highlights the UK's attractiveness for Indian students, emphasizing the Labour government's support for the two-year post-study work visa. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's welcoming message and the benefits of a UK education are key factors. The UAE is also emerging as a preferred destination due to strong ties and growing educational infrastructure.
The Presidents’ Alliance, representing over 570 campus leaders, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Department of Homeland Security's mass termination of SEVIS records for international students. The lawsuit argues these terminations lack legal basis and violate due process, impacting students' education, employment, and legal status. The alliance seeks to protect international students' rights and institutions' ability to support them.
Arvind Venkat, the first Indian American representative in Pennsylvania, focuses on making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Balancing his roles as a physician and lawmaker, Venkat emphasizes reducing healthcare costs and improving public health. He actively connects with and represents the Indian American community while addressing political engagement and combating racism.
Indian American Congressman Suhash Subramanyam, first from the East Coast, took his oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, becoming the only lawmaker from the community to do so this year. His mother witnessed this historic moment, which signifies the expanding representation of Hindu faith in the US Congress.
Gunalan Morgan, a Singaporean Tamil-language actor and radio DJ, was charged with multiple sex-related offences, including sexual communication with a minor. He faces additional charges for obstructing justice and voyeurism. Mediacorp has suspended and served a termination notice to Gunalan following his arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 21.