Indian professionals in the US face intensified social media attacks, raising safety concerns among Indian Americans. Leaders like Rishi Kumar and Ajay Bhutoria are advocating for stronger hate crime laws, accountability for social media platforms, and bipartisan support. Tech and industry leaders are urged to condemn the attacks, while President-elect Trump might address immigration reforms.
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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.
A photo of US vice president-elect JD Vance with his wife Usha Vance's Indian family has gone viral, countering accusations of racism and showcasing his bond with Indian culture. Social media users praised his integration and shared a range of supportive reactions.
A Sikh charity in New Jersey, 'Let's Share a Meal', recently organised a communal feast, distributing over 10,000 vegetarian meals across five states. This initiative, inspired by Guru Nanak's teachings, involved 700 volunteers and aims to teach values of peace and community. Established efforts have now reached more than 1 million meals distributed nationwide.
MAGA hardliners are targeting the OPT program which allows foreign students, especially from India, to gain work experience in the US, arguing it unfairly replaces American jobs. The OPT program, seen as a pathway to H1-B visas, faces scrutiny, which may impact the influx of foreign students and overall academic and economic contributions.
In a historic event, 51-year-old Keralite priest George Jacob Koovakad became the first priest from India to be directly elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis. The ceremony, held at St. Peter's Basilica, saw Koovakad join five other Indian cardinals. Koovakad, who organizes the Pope's travels, was ordained in 2004 and began his diplomatic career in 2006.
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.
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.
Thousands of undocumented Indians in the US face lengthy delays for asylum hearings, sometimes waiting until 2027. Detention, deportation threats, and arduous legal processes plague those seeking refuge, while human smugglers advise against claiming political persecution.
Varun Soni's new travelogue, "India Beyond Metros: Dekho Apna Bharat," invites readers to explore 50 lesser-known Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Launched by the Brunei High Commissioner, the book offers a practical guide to these unexplored destinations, showcasing their unique culture and charm. Soni encourages travelers to discover the heart of India beyond the major metropolises.
Significant changes to the H-1B visa program have been implemented to enhance fairness, transparency, and efficiency. Notable revisions include stricter specialty occupation requirements, smoother transitions for F-1 visa holders, expanded cap exemptions for research organizations, and strengthened compliance measures, benefiting Indian tech workers and U.S. employers.