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Satyam Surana, an Indian student in the UK, criticizes his university for biased investigations of alleged hate campaigns during elections. He claims the university ignored key evidence, delayed the process, and justified discriminatory remarks against his Hindu identity as free speech. Surana alleges a systematic pattern of intolerance toward pro-India views in major global universities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kash Patel, nominated by President Trump, will appear before the US Senate on January 30 for confirmation as the next FBI Director. If confirmed, Patel would be the first Indian American to lead the agency. He shared his family's inspirational immigration story and stressed the importance of hard work and addressing national security, law enforcement, economy, and global diplomacy.