Nearly 18,000 undocumented Indians in the US face deportation as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prepares a list ahead of President-elect Trump's term. ICE data reveals thousands of Indians await legal status, with hearings scheduled years later. The US government has labeled India "uncooperative" due to delays in accepting deportees, adding to the complexity.
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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.
Indian-American Suhas Subramanyam was sworn into the 119th Congress, representing Virginia's 10th District and becoming the first Indian American and South Asian member of Congress on the East Coast. A former advisor to Obama and Virginia state legislator, he has a history of bipartisan legislation and volunteer service in his community.
The Presidents’ Alliance, representing over 570 campus leaders, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Department of Homeland Security's mass termination of SEVIS records for international students. The lawsuit argues these terminations lack legal basis and violate due process, impacting students' education, employment, and legal status. The alliance seeks to protect international students' rights and institutions' ability to support them.
66 QuestBridge scholars are set to join Yale University’s Class of 2029. The QuestBridge Scholarship helps low-income, high-achieving students by allowing them to rank colleges and match with participating institutions like Yale, MIT, and Princeton. With 7,288 finalists this year, recipients receive full four-year scholarships. The application process includes financial and academic eligibility checks and ranking submissions.
Arvind Venkat, the first Indian American representative in Pennsylvania, focuses on making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Balancing his roles as a physician and lawmaker, Venkat emphasizes reducing healthcare costs and improving public health. He actively connects with and represents the Indian American community while addressing political engagement and combating racism.
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.
The Indian high commission in Ottawa confirmed the fatal stabbing of an Indian national in Rockland, near Ottawa. Local police have taken a suspect into custody. The embassy is coordinating with community groups to provide support to the bereaved family, emphasizing their close contact with local authorities.
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.
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.
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.