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.
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Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, including Florida-based techie Bitan Adhikari, India launched Operation Sindoor. Bitan's widow, Soheni, expressed relief, stating the action brought a sense of justice and peace to her husband's soul. She appreciated the operation's name, symbolizing her loss.
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.
An Indian-origin Catholic priest, Fr. Arul Carasala, was shot and killed in Seneca, Kansas. Archbishop Joseph Naumann expressed sadness over this senseless violence, highlighting Carasala’s two-decade-long service. Gary L Hermesch has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The community is urged to pray for Carasala, his family, his parish, and the perpetrator.
Anand Shah, an Indian-origin councilman from New Jersey, was apprehended along with 39 others for involvement in a large-scale illegal gambling ring. The operation, which included illegal poker games and online sports betting, allegedly amassed over $3 million in illicit profits. Shah faces charges of racketeering, money laundering, and conspiracy, potentially leading to a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
H-1B visa denial rates have plummeted, contrasting sharply with the Trump era's restrictive policies. This drop is attributed to policy reversals and court rulings, benefiting both high-skilled foreign workers and US employers, particularly in the tech sector. However, concerns remain about potential renewed restrictions under a future Trump administration.
Kash Patel, a staunch supporter of the Ram Mandir and fierce critic of the "deep state," has been nominated by Donald Trump as FBI Director, symbolising a unique convergence of Indic and American populist narratives. Known for co-authoring the "Nunes Memo," Patel has challenged institutional biases and accused the US justice system of favouring elites while targeting conservatives. A loyal advocate of Trump’s America First agenda, Patel’s rise disrupts perceptions of Trump’s cabinet as... Expand
The ACLU-NH has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security on behalf of a Chinese doctoral student at Dartmouth College whose F-1 student status was abruptly terminated without explanation. The lawsuit alleges violation of due process rights, as the student met all requirements for maintaining his status.
Nearly 18,000 undocumented Indians in the US face deportation as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prepares a list ahead of President-elect Trump's term. ICE data reveals thousands of Indians await legal status, with hearings scheduled years later. The US government has labeled India "uncooperative" due to delays in accepting deportees, adding to the complexity.
Senator Bernie Sanders aligns with MAGA on the H1B visa debate, claiming it exploits foreign workers and undercuts American jobs. Critics push back, highlighting skilled professionals aiding underserved areas and contributing to the U.S. economy. Legal immigration supporters call misconceptions about H1B workers unfair, emphasizing their crucial role in many sectors.
In a significant event for Indian Americans, six leaders were sworn into the US House of Representatives, marking the largest representation of this community in history. US Congressman Ami Bera, who has served since 2013, noted the growth from being the sole Indian American member to now having six representatives, expressing excitement for further increases in the future.