Nearly 50,000 Indians became naturalized US citizens in fiscal year 2024, securing the second-highest spot after Mexico. These new citizens, many of Gujarati origin, often reside in states like California and Texas, drawn by opportunities in technology and healthcare. This growth reflects a continuing trend of Indian immigrants establishing themselves within the American landscape.
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Sai Teja Nukarapu, a 22-year-old student from Telangana, was fatally shot by two robbers at a Chicago store where he worked part-time. Despite complying with their demands, he was killed. He had moved to the US in June to pursue an MBA. Efforts are underway to repatriate his body to India.
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.
The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) raised concerns over ICE raids and deportations of Indian and Sikh youths in the US. Asylum seekers from the community face challenges and uncertainties. SALDEF urges vigilance, advises on rights, and works with advocacy groups to ensure fair processes. Hate crimes against Sikh Americans are also a growing issue.
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.
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.
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.
The number of Indian students at IE University, Madrid, has surged by 200% in the last decade, with over 170 students enrolled for Master's and Bachelor's courses in 2024-25. The university's focus on English-speaking courses and globalisation of education has attracted more Indian talent. The IE Foundation offers scholarships to deserving students, including 45 Indian beneficiaries through the Young Talented Leader Programme. IE aims to further increase its Indian student population, fostering... Expand
The Mumbai ITAT ruled in favor of a taxpayer who received a ₹3 crore gift from her NRI son. The I-T department questioned the gift's legitimacy, alleging a circular trading transaction, but the tribunal upheld the gift's validity due to the son's proven financial capacity and dismissed the circular trading claim.
Indian American Avani Modi Sarkar and her brother Viral Modi launched Modi Toys in 2018, aiming to integrate South Asian culture into children's play. Their company produces toys depicting Hindu deities that sing prayers, and they've expanded globally. Modi Toys now also offers accompanying children's books to enhance cultural education.