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.
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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.
In 2023-24, a record number of Indian students utilized the OPT programme to build work experience in the US. Despite the rising MAGA rhetoric and potential policy changes, the demand for skilled professionals in fields like AI and biotechnology ensures continuing interest from Indian graduates.
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.
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.
A woman was captured on video being racist towards Pervez Taufiq and his Indian American family during a United Airlines transfer bus ride in Los Angeles. The incident followed her alleged harassment of Taufiq’s son during their flight. United Airlines staff intervened after bystanders confirmed her as the aggressor, leading to her removal from the bus.
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.
An Indian student from Telangana, Nookarapu Sai Teja, 26, was shot dead by assailants at a Chicago shopping mall. Sai Teja, who had moved to the US four months ago to pursue an MS, was working at a store's cash counter when attacked on Friday. His family resides in Ramanagutta, Khammam, Telangana.
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.
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.