US imposes $100,000 H-1B visa fee, sparking backlash from tech industry
A new visa policy introduced under the Trump administration has sent shockwaves through the United States job market, particularly affecting international professionals and technology firms. The government now mandates that employers pay a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa application, a move officials claim will curb abuse of the visa system and encourage hiring of American citizens. However, the measure has been met with widespread criticism from business leaders and immigration advocates
US imposes $100,000 H-1B visa fee, sparking backlash from tech industry
A new visa policy introduced under the Trump administration has sent shockwaves through the United States job market, particularly affecting international professionals and technology firms. The government now mandates that employers pay a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa application, a move officials claim will curb abuse of the visa system and encourage hiring of American citizens. However, the measure has been met with widespread criticism from business leaders and immigration advocates
Amazon to Lay Off 30,000 Corporate Employees in Largest Job Cuts Since 2022
Amazon is preparing for its biggest round of corporate job cuts since 2022, with plans to eliminate up to 30,000 positions starting Tuesday. The move affects nearly 10% of its corporate workforce and follows years of smaller layoffs across divisions such as devices, HR, and operations. Sources suggest that the job cuts will impact multiple departments, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), human resources (PXT), and corporate operations. Managers have reportedly undergone training on how to co
Amazon to Lay Off 30,000 Corporate Employees in Largest Job Cuts Since 2022
Amazon is preparing for its biggest round of corporate job cuts since 2022, with plans to eliminate up to 30,000 positions starting Tuesday. The move affects nearly 10% of its corporate workforce and follows years of smaller layoffs across divisions such as devices, HR, and operations. Sources suggest that the job cuts will impact multiple departments, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), human resources (PXT), and corporate operations. Managers have reportedly undergone training on how to co
Federal agents conduct warrant operations across Pasadena, police assist with crowd control
PASADENA, Texas – Law enforcement agencies were active across Pasadena on Monday as federal agents carried out a series of warrant operations, drawing large crowds and prompting a local police response to maintain order. Officials confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was leading the enforcement activity, with assistance from the Pasadena Police Department (PPD) in managing public safety near the affected areas. Authorities said the primary operation took place
Federal agents conduct warrant operations across Pasadena, police assist with crowd control
PASADENA, Texas – Law enforcement agencies were active across Pasadena on Monday as federal agents carried out a series of warrant operations, drawing large crowds and prompting a local police response to maintain order. Officials confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was leading the enforcement activity, with assistance from the Pasadena Police Department (PPD) in managing public safety near the affected areas. Authorities said the primary operation took place
Chicago immigration raids spark controversy over federal use of force
Federal immigration enforcement operations across Chicago and its suburbs over the past week have drawn sharp scrutiny, as multiple incidents involving U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have raised questions about potential violations of a federal court order and the agencies’ own use-of-force guidelines. In one of the most widely circulated incidents, a video recorded Saturday in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood showed a masked federal ag
Chicago immigration raids spark controversy over federal use of force
Federal immigration enforcement operations across Chicago and its suburbs over the past week have drawn sharp scrutiny, as multiple incidents involving U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have raised questions about potential violations of a federal court order and the agencies’ own use-of-force guidelines. In one of the most widely circulated incidents, a video recorded Saturday in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood showed a masked federal ag
Oakland mayor confirms Bay Area immigration enforcement operations canceled
The office of Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced Friday that the anticipated surge in federal immigration enforcement across the greater San Francisco Bay Area has been cancelled. According to Mayor Lee’s statement, she received confirmation from Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez that operations by the U.S. Border Patrol in the region—including Oakland—are not proceeding at this time. In her release, Mayor Lee stated that she spoke with Sheriff Sanchez, who communicated
Oakland mayor confirms Bay Area immigration enforcement operations canceled
The office of Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced Friday that the anticipated surge in federal immigration enforcement across the greater San Francisco Bay Area has been cancelled. According to Mayor Lee’s statement, she received confirmation from Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez that operations by the U.S. Border Patrol in the region—including Oakland—are not proceeding at this time. In her release, Mayor Lee stated that she spoke with Sheriff Sanchez, who communicated
U.S. clarifies $100 000 H-1B visa fee and impact on Indian students and employers
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued long-awaited guidance on October 20, 2025 clarifying the applicability of the newly introduced USD 100,000 one-time fee on certain H‑1B visa petitions, bringing much-needed clarity for international students, employers and visa applicants. The fee, initially announced in a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, had triggered widespread uncertainty about whether it would apply across the board. The origina
U.S. clarifies $100 000 H-1B visa fee and impact on Indian students and employers
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued long-awaited guidance on October 20, 2025 clarifying the applicability of the newly introduced USD 100,000 one-time fee on certain H‑1B visa petitions, bringing much-needed clarity for international students, employers and visa applicants. The fee, initially announced in a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, had triggered widespread uncertainty about whether it would apply across the board. The origina
Texans divided over Trump’s immigration policies, new survey reveals
HOUSTON, Texas — A new statewide survey conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University reveals that Texans remain deeply divided over former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. According to the findings, 51 percent of registered voters said they approve of the administration’s immigration approach, while 49 percent disapprove, reflecting an evenly split electorate on one of the state’s most politically charged issues. The survey highlights a
Texans divided over Trump’s immigration policies, new survey reveals
HOUSTON, Texas — A new statewide survey conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University reveals that Texans remain deeply divided over former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. According to the findings, 51 percent of registered voters said they approve of the administration’s immigration approach, while 49 percent disapprove, reflecting an evenly split electorate on one of the state’s most politically charged issues. The survey highlights a
Federal agents clash with residents in Chicago’s Little Village amid ongoing raids
The streets of Chicago’s Little Village turned tense on Thursday morning as heavily armed federal agents clashed with residents during an enforcement operation near the Discount Mall at 26th and Troy. The scene unfolded amid growing public concern over the expanding presence of federal officers in local neighborhoods. Witnesses reported the use of chemical irritants, including tear gas and pepper bullets, while helicopters hovered overhead and residents recorded the confrontation on their p
Federal agents clash with residents in Chicago’s Little Village amid ongoing raids
The streets of Chicago’s Little Village turned tense on Thursday morning as heavily armed federal agents clashed with residents during an enforcement operation near the Discount Mall at 26th and Troy. The scene unfolded amid growing public concern over the expanding presence of federal officers in local neighborhoods. Witnesses reported the use of chemical irritants, including tear gas and pepper bullets, while helicopters hovered overhead and residents recorded the confrontation on their p
Walmart halts H-1B visa hiring amid new $100,000 application fee policy
Walmart Inc. has temporarily halted its job offers to candidates requiring H-1B work visas, according to people familiar with the company’s internal hiring policy. The decision follows the Trump administration’s recent move to impose a $100,000 application fee on new H-1B petitions — a significant shift in immigration policy that has prompted widespread reassessment among U.S. corporations employing international talent. The temporary hiring freeze primarily affects Walmart’
Walmart halts H-1B visa hiring amid new $100,000 application fee policy
Walmart Inc. has temporarily halted its job offers to candidates requiring H-1B work visas, according to people familiar with the company’s internal hiring policy. The decision follows the Trump administration’s recent move to impose a $100,000 application fee on new H-1B petitions — a significant shift in immigration policy that has prompted widespread reassessment among U.S. corporations employing international talent. The temporary hiring freeze primarily affects Walmart’
Chicago immigration agents ordered to wear body cameras after court ruling
CHICAGO – Federal immigration officers working in the Chicago area will now be required to wear body cameras following a court order issued by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis. The decision came after the judge reviewed video footage and reports showing the use of tear gas and other crowd-control measures during protests against immigration enforcement operations. The mandate aims to ensure accountability and transparency amid growing public concerns over the treatment of demonstrators and co
Chicago immigration agents ordered to wear body cameras after court ruling
CHICAGO – Federal immigration officers working in the Chicago area will now be required to wear body cameras following a court order issued by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis. The decision came after the judge reviewed video footage and reports showing the use of tear gas and other crowd-control measures during protests against immigration enforcement operations. The mandate aims to ensure accountability and transparency amid growing public concerns over the treatment of demonstrators and co
OPT and H-1B reforms threaten work opportunities for Indian graduates in the U.S.
Thousands of Indian students studying in the United States are facing growing uncertainty over their post-graduation career prospects as new immigration policies and enforcement actions threaten the stability of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visa systems. The OPT program has long served as a bridge for international students transitioning from study to work, but recent developments suggest that this once-reliable path may soon become more complex and costly. The anx
OPT and H-1B reforms threaten work opportunities for Indian graduates in the U.S.
Thousands of Indian students studying in the United States are facing growing uncertainty over their post-graduation career prospects as new immigration policies and enforcement actions threaten the stability of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visa systems. The OPT program has long served as a bridge for international students transitioning from study to work, but recent developments suggest that this once-reliable path may soon become more complex and costly. The anx
Amazon plans major layoffs as AI reshapes its workforce strategy
Amazon is reportedly preparing for another significant round of job cuts, this time targeting its human resources division as part of a broader organizational shift toward automation and artificial intelligence. According to people familiar with internal discussions, the company may reduce up to 15 percent of staff within its People eXperience and Technology (PXT) department, a key unit responsible for managing employee relations and corporate culture. While the exact number of layoffs and th
Amazon plans major layoffs as AI reshapes its workforce strategy
Amazon is reportedly preparing for another significant round of job cuts, this time targeting its human resources division as part of a broader organizational shift toward automation and artificial intelligence. According to people familiar with internal discussions, the company may reduce up to 15 percent of staff within its People eXperience and Technology (PXT) department, a key unit responsible for managing employee relations and corporate culture. While the exact number of layoffs and th
Salesforce to invest $15 billion in San Francisco to expand AI innovation
Salesforce announced plans to invest $15 billion in San Francisco over the next five years to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence among businesses. The move reinforces the company’s goal to remain a leading force in enterprise software as AI-driven tools become an essential part of global business operations. The technology giant, founded and headquartered in San Francisco since 1999, has steadily integrated AI across its suite of cloud-based products, including the
Salesforce to invest $15 billion in San Francisco to expand AI innovation
Salesforce announced plans to invest $15 billion in San Francisco over the next five years to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence among businesses. The move reinforces the company’s goal to remain a leading force in enterprise software as AI-driven tools become an essential part of global business operations. The technology giant, founded and headquartered in San Francisco since 1999, has steadily integrated AI across its suite of cloud-based products, including the
Indian Origin Man Freed After 43 Years in US Prison Faces Deportation Threat
A 64-year-old Indian origin man who spent more than four decades in an American prison for a crime he did not commit has finally walked free, only to face a new ordeal — possible deportation to a country he barely remembers. Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam’s story, marked by injustice, endurance, and hope, has taken another painful turn just days after his long-awaited release. Vedam was freed from a Pennsylvania correctional facility after a court overturned his decades-old murder c
Indian Origin Man Freed After 43 Years in US Prison Faces Deportation Threat
A 64-year-old Indian origin man who spent more than four decades in an American prison for a crime he did not commit has finally walked free, only to face a new ordeal — possible deportation to a country he barely remembers. Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam’s story, marked by injustice, endurance, and hope, has taken another painful turn just days after his long-awaited release. Vedam was freed from a Pennsylvania correctional facility after a court overturned his decades-old murder c
Harvard study reveals which college degrees are losing long-term value
New research from Harvard economists is reshaping the long-held belief that a college degree guarantees long-term financial success. Once viewed as a secure investment in the future, many traditional majors are now delivering diminishing returns, as automation and evolving job markets rapidly redefine the worth of academic credentials. According to Harvard labor economist David J. Deming and researcher Kadeem Noray, the value of applied degrees such as business, computer science, an
Harvard study reveals which college degrees are losing long-term value
New research from Harvard economists is reshaping the long-held belief that a college degree guarantees long-term financial success. Once viewed as a secure investment in the future, many traditional majors are now delivering diminishing returns, as automation and evolving job markets rapidly redefine the worth of academic credentials. According to Harvard labor economist David J. Deming and researcher Kadeem Noray, the value of applied degrees such as business, computer science, an
Automation shock: Employee laid off after mastering AI for efficiency
When researcher Kevin Cantera from Las Cruces, New Mexico, began experimenting with ChatGPT at the education technology firm where he worked, he believed he was future-proofing his career. Encouraged by his supervisors, he adopted artificial intelligence as a daily assistant to streamline his writing, research, and communication tasks. His results were exceptional, and he quickly became one of the company’s most productive employees. But only months later, Cantera was unexpectedly
Automation shock: Employee laid off after mastering AI for efficiency
When researcher Kevin Cantera from Las Cruces, New Mexico, began experimenting with ChatGPT at the education technology firm where he worked, he believed he was future-proofing his career. Encouraged by his supervisors, he adopted artificial intelligence as a daily assistant to streamline his writing, research, and communication tasks. His results were exceptional, and he quickly became one of the company’s most productive employees. But only months later, Cantera was unexpectedly
Federal judges in San Francisco order ICE to release detained immigrants
Federal judges in San Francisco have sharply rebuked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for its handling of immigrant detentions, ordering the temporary release of dozens of detainees over concerns about violations of constitutional due process rights. The rulings come amid a nationwide surge in ICE arrests and a growing wave of legal challenges questioning the agency’s detention practices. The cases stem from a series of habeas corpus petitions filed by immigration at
Federal judges in San Francisco order ICE to release detained immigrants
Federal judges in San Francisco have sharply rebuked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for its handling of immigrant detentions, ordering the temporary release of dozens of detainees over concerns about violations of constitutional due process rights. The rulings come amid a nationwide surge in ICE arrests and a growing wave of legal challenges questioning the agency’s detention practices. The cases stem from a series of habeas corpus petitions filed by immigration at
Jensen Huang says Nvidia will cover $100K H-1B fee, calls immigration vital for innovation
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has expressed support for reforms to the H-1B visa programme in the United States but warned that the proposed $100,000 application fee could have serious consequences for innovation and access to global talent. Speaking in a recent discussion, he said the idea of tightening the system to prevent misuse was good in principle but added that such a steep financial barrier could transform the American dream into a privilege for the few. The proposed increase in H-
Jensen Huang says Nvidia will cover $100K H-1B fee, calls immigration vital for innovation
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has expressed support for reforms to the H-1B visa programme in the United States but warned that the proposed $100,000 application fee could have serious consequences for innovation and access to global talent. Speaking in a recent discussion, he said the idea of tightening the system to prevent misuse was good in principle but added that such a steep financial barrier could transform the American dream into a privilege for the few. The proposed increase in H-
Texas National Guard troops arrive near Chicago amid Trump deployment plan
National Guard troops from Texas were seen on Tuesday at a U.S. Army training facility in Illinois, marking the most visible step yet in the Trump administration’s controversial plan to deploy military personnel to the Chicago area. The move has ignited a wave of political opposition and legal challenges from state and city officials who argue that the action is unconstitutional and politically motivated. Military personnel wearing uniforms with the Texas National Guard insignia w
Texas National Guard troops arrive near Chicago amid Trump deployment plan
National Guard troops from Texas were seen on Tuesday at a U.S. Army training facility in Illinois, marking the most visible step yet in the Trump administration’s controversial plan to deploy military personnel to the Chicago area. The move has ignited a wave of political opposition and legal challenges from state and city officials who argue that the action is unconstitutional and politically motivated. Military personnel wearing uniforms with the Texas National Guard insignia w
Federal agents shoot armed driver after being rammed by vehicles in Chicago standoff
Federal officers shot an armed person on Saturday morning in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood after their vehicle was rammed and boxed in by multiple cars, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The confrontation occurred around 10:30 a.m. near South California Avenue and West 35th Street during what officials described as a routine patrol. The incident has since escalated tensions between federal authorities and protesters already gathered in the city as part of ongoing
Federal agents shoot armed driver after being rammed by vehicles in Chicago standoff
Federal officers shot an armed person on Saturday morning in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood after their vehicle was rammed and boxed in by multiple cars, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The confrontation occurred around 10:30 a.m. near South California Avenue and West 35th Street during what officials described as a routine patrol. The incident has since escalated tensions between federal authorities and protesters already gathered in the city as part of ongoing









