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.
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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.
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.
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.
British MPs Barry Gardiner and Priti Patel raised concerns in the UK Parliament over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting over 2,000 violent incidents and calling for urgent government discussions with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure protection, law and order, and freedom of religion for minority communities.
A light aircraft crash off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah resulted in the deaths of a 26-year-old Indian-origin doctor and a Pakistani pilot on December 26. Dr Sulaymaan Al Majid, a clinical fellow in the UK, and the pilot, a 26-year-old woman, died shortly after takeoff. Investigations are ongoing.
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.
In September 2024, IRCC capped study permit applications to ease pressure on housing and services, reducing international student arrivals by 40%. For 2025, the cap is set at 437,000, a 10% decrease from 2024. Applicants will need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), including master’s and doctoral students, to confirm compliance with caps.
A Kuwait-based NRI confessed in a selfie video to murdering his 12-year-old daughter's alleged molester in Andhra Pradesh. He claimed police inaction after his wife reported the molestation forced him to take matters into his own hands. Police deny receiving a complaint and suggest a family dispute and conspiracy are involved.
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has initiated a bone marrow and stem cell registration drive across the US with the National Marrow Donor Program to increase Indian donor registration. AAPI's efforts also support Indian American medical professionals through advocacy, education, and community service, while advocating for legislative reforms to ease residency pathways.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has appointed six young engineers, aged 19-24, including Akash Bobba, an Indian-origin engineer with experience at Meta and Palantir, to positions with high-level security clearances. This move has raised concerns due to their lack of government experience and the sensitivity of the data they will access.