IMMIGRANT CITIZENSHIP COMPETITION
The Immigration Games? DHS weighs wild new reality show concept where migrants compete for US citizenship
The US Department of Homeland Security is considering a reality show concept. In this show, migrants will compete in challenges for a chance to win US citizenship. The show, titled 'The American', involves contestants traveling across the country. They will participate in region-specific cultural tasks. The winner may get sworn in as a citizen at the Capitol.
Who pays what? Demystifying H-1B visa fees and wage compliance
The H-1B visa process involves specific cost responsibilities. Employers must pay the required wage, covering actual or prevailing rates. They also handle ACWIA, fraud prevention, and asylum program fees. Employees might cover premium processing under certain conditions. Employers cannot deduct legal fees or other costs from wages. Unauthorized deductions can lead to penalties.
Canada’s new government spells trouble for immigrants
Following the Liberal Party's victory under Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada will maintain reduced immigration targets through 2027, aiming to lower temporary residents to 5% of the population. This includes capping international student enrollment and tightening controls, a shift from previous plans. Leaders in international education express concerns about the impact on Canada's reputation and talent acquisition.
Despite MAGA rhetoric, Indian travellers to US hit record high in 2024
Amidst a global decline in tourism to the US, India has stood out with a remarkable 48% increase in visitors, reaching nearly 1.9 million between January and October 2024. This surge has made India a leading source of outbound tourists in Asia, contributing significantly to US tourism revenue.
STEM and AI programmes drive Indian applications, but students heading to US proceed with caution
Despite stricter US immigration policies and social media screening, Indian students' interest in US higher education, especially STEM and AI programs, remains strong. The number of Indian students enrolled in US institutions increased significantly in 2023-2024. Experts have advised students to act early, prepare thoroughly for visa interviews, and be mindful of their online presence to navigate the evolving landscape.
In voyage to make US great again, is Trump disrupting the great American dream?
Under Trump, U.S. policies on immigration, consumerism, science, environment, and free speech have shifted dramatically. Immigration restrictions, tariffs, science funding cuts, environmental rollbacks, and attacks on free speech threaten global competitiveness, public health, and democracy.
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H-1B Visa 2025: How U.S. government’s push to prioritize American workers over H-1B visa holders will impact jobs, what are the new rules, and who qualifies?
H-1B visa 2025 remains a vital pathway for skilled foreign workers to secure jobs in the U.S., but new policies emphasize hiring American workers first. The application process for fiscal year 2026 begins on March 7, 2025, with strict eligibility rules. Indian professionals, who secured 72.3% of H-1B visas last year, may face challenges due to rising scrutiny. Companies like Meta are under legal pressure for favoring visa holders over U.S. workers. Experts warn that tighter restrictions could push global talent elsewhere, impacting innovation and economic growth in the U.S.
Trump plans to make $5 trillion off your American dreams. But will it be as easy as he thinks?
President Trump introduced a $5 million 'gold card' for foreign investors, aimed at offering residency and a citizenship path. The plan positions itself as an alternative to the EB-5 visa, promising simplified processes and potential revenue generation. Legal challenges and congressional approval issues are anticipated, with experts questioning its viability and pool of potential buyers.
Have a few hundred thousand dollars lying around? Here are the Golden Visas you can get
Golden visa and passport programs offer residency or citizenship through investment, attracting global interest, including from Indian applicants. These options provide better business, education, and quality of life opportunities. Despite increasing restrictions and rising costs, they remain viable for Indian investors seeking legal residency. Act swiftly as eligibility criteria are likely to become more stringent.
Make (Non-US) Indian Migration great again
Donald Trump's changes to US citizenship laws could impact high-skilled immigration from India. This uncertainty may push Indian immigrants to seek opportunities in other countries, affecting the Indian economy and diaspora competition. Slower migration might benefit India's growth potential but requires proactive immigration policies, especially focusing on the Indian diaspora.
Thousands were adopted to the US but not made citizens. Decades later, they risk being deported
A U.S. loophole has left thousands of internationally adopted children without citizenship, causing fear and legal limbo for many. Despite bipartisan support, legislation to fix the oversight has stagnated for over a decade, exposing adoptees to potential deportation and severe hardships.
Imagine this. It's 2025. Trump is US President, again. And this is what moving to America will look like
A potential second term for Trump in 2025 could see increased scrutiny and stringent regulations for legal immigrants and international students. Changes may include tighter visa policies, reduced family-based immigration, and more competitive work opportunities, particularly affecting H-1B and F-1 visa holders.
Germany's push to ease citizenship path faces red tape reality check
Under the proposed regulations, individuals who demonstrate strong integration and possess exceptional proficiency in the German language could secure citizenship in just three years. To be eligible, aspiring citizens would need to show their self-sufficiency and not rely heavily on state assistance, with certain exceptions applying to this condition.
Democrats introduce Citizenship Act to eliminate country quota for Green Card, tweak H-1B system
The Act seeks to make it easier for STEM advanced degree holders from US universities to stay, improving access to green cards for workers in lower-wage industries, giving dependents of H-1B holders work authorisation, and preventing children of H-1B holders from ageing out of the system.
White House backs bill that could severely cut down the 90-year wait for Green Cards
A Green Card, known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently. This week, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the Equal Access to Green Cards for Legal Employment (EAGLE) Act of 2022.
Skilled Indians have a 90 year wait for green cards, the Jumpstart Bill seeks to resolve this
The US sets aside only 1.40 lakh green cards for employment-based applicants and there is a 7% per country cap. Given the heavy influx of Indians in the US – majority of them holding an H-1B visa, this restrictive policy poses challenges and has resulted in a massive backlog for them in the employment- based category.
Bill introduced in US Congress to recapture 380K unused family & employment-based visas
In a major boost to a large number of Indians, this will allow individuals to receive work authorisation while they wait for a visa number to become available and will prevent dependent children from “aging out” of eligibility for the LPR status.
Joe Biden eager to fix 'broken' immigration system: White House
“The president...believes that there should be faster processing, that our immigration system is broken at many levels and of the system and that he is eager for Congress to move forward with action there,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday at her daily news conference.
Joe Biden eyes more foreign workers while skirting H-1B visa uproar
The sweeping proposal Biden sent to Congress on his first day in office drew quick Republican opposition over its centerpiece: a faster path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Another provision would allow more foreign students and workers to enter the U.S. by increasing the number of employment-based green cards.
Apple, Google, other US business groups applaud Biden's immigration reforms
Called the US Citizenship Act of 2021, the legislation modernises the immigration system, and also proposes to eliminate the per country cap for employment-based green cards, a move that would benefit thousands of Indian IT professionals whose current wait period for legal permanent residency runs into several decades.
US President Joe Biden sends comprehensive immigration reform bill to Congress on day one in White House
Called the US Citizenship Act of 2021, the legislation modernises the immigration system, and also proposes to eliminate the per country cap for employment-based green cards, a move that would benefit thousands of Indian IT professionals whose current wait period for legal permanent residency runs into several decades.
Canada to increase immigration to boost economic recovery
The new admissions would be focused on bringing in more people under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, the Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons program.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warns leaders: Support immigration or risk missing global tech boom
“People will only come when people know you’re an immigrant friendly country," the Microsoft CEO said.
US plans to allow spouse of H1B visa holder to work in America
From the statement, it appears that spouses of H-1B visas are unlikely to get a blanket approval to work in the US.
Green cards for Indians soar six-fold to 35,472 in a year
An H-1B visa-holder is beholden to the employer who hired him or her, and can be deported unless the holder can find another H-1B sponsor.
US immigration reforms: House of Representatives may have more balanced bill, says Nasscom
IT industry body Nasscom today expressed the hope that a "more balanced bill" on US immigration reforms will come in the House of Representatives.
Immigration reform to boost US economy: Senators
Listing out the key-business friendly provisions of the immigration bill, the Senators told the corporate sector that this not only increases the number of H-1B visas.
Australia to cut skilled immigrant workers by 14 per cent
Australia will reduce its skilled migration intake by 14 per cent this year in an attempt to stem competition for local jobs, Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans said on Monday.
Influential US business fed bats for liberal visa regime
The H-1B visa programme allows foreign scientists, engineers and technologists to be employed for up to six years in the US.
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