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.
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A 26-year-old Indian student, Nagasri Vandana Parimala, pursuing a master's in data science in Memphis, Tennessee, died in a car accident on Friday. Two of her friends traveling with her were seriously injured. Vandana had moved to the US in December 2022 and also worked at the University of Memphis.
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.
Seattle police have fired officer Daniel Auderer after his insensitive comments and laughter following the death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula. Kandula was struck and killed by a police vehicle driven by officer Kevin Dave. Auderer's remarks, which mocked the tragedy, tarnished the department’s reputation, prompting his dismissal. In honour of Kandula, her university posthumously awarded her a master's degree.
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
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.
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.
53-year-old South African Prelyn Mohanlall has been arrested for scamming 17 couples by taking advance payments for wedding venues she had no affiliation with, leaving many without a proper venue on their wedding day. Mohanlall, a disbarred attorney, faces additional fraud charges and promises to repay victims.
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.