New visa policies make studying and working abroad tougher for Indians
The path to studying or working abroad, once viewed as a clear and achievable journey, is becoming increasingly complicated as major economies introduce tighter immigration and visa rules. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, and Australia have each rolled out new policies in the past two years that collectively raise costs, elevate salary requirements, and reduce the number of visas available for international students and skilled professionals. For many,
New visa policies make studying and working abroad tougher for Indians
The path to studying or working abroad, once viewed as a clear and achievable journey, is becoming increasingly complicated as major economies introduce tighter immigration and visa rules. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, and Australia have each rolled out new policies in the past two years that collectively raise costs, elevate salary requirements, and reduce the number of visas available for international students and skilled professionals. For many,
Canada mulls new powers to cancel visas, India and Bangladesh in focus
Canada’s immigration authorities are reportedly moving toward adopting new powers that could allow them to cancel temporary visas on a large scale — a policy shift that may disproportionately affect applicants from India and Bangladesh. According to internal government documents, the initiative is part of a broader partnership between Canadian agencies and their U.S. counterparts to strengthen border controls and address rising concerns over fraudulent applications. The document
Canada mulls new powers to cancel visas, India and Bangladesh in focus
Canada’s immigration authorities are reportedly moving toward adopting new powers that could allow them to cancel temporary visas on a large scale — a policy shift that may disproportionately affect applicants from India and Bangladesh. According to internal government documents, the initiative is part of a broader partnership between Canadian agencies and their U.S. counterparts to strengthen border controls and address rising concerns over fraudulent applications. The document
Indian-origin woman Shilpa Chaudhary breaks barriers serving in the US Army
At 38, Delhi-born Shilpa Chaudhary has taken a path few imagine — trading a civilian routine for military fatigues in the United States Army. An Indian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the US, Chaudhary chose to serve the country that became her adopted home, reflecting both courage and complexity in an era where immigration debates remain deeply polarized. As a Green Card holder, Chaudhary was eligible to enlist under a long-standing US Department of Defense policy that a
Indian-origin woman Shilpa Chaudhary breaks barriers serving in the US Army
At 38, Delhi-born Shilpa Chaudhary has taken a path few imagine — trading a civilian routine for military fatigues in the United States Army. An Indian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the US, Chaudhary chose to serve the country that became her adopted home, reflecting both courage and complexity in an era where immigration debates remain deeply polarized. As a Green Card holder, Chaudhary was eligible to enlist under a long-standing US Department of Defense policy that a
Indian-origin drivers hit hardest as US trucking industry enforcement ramps up
The United States trucking industry is undergoing a significant enforcement shift as more than 7,000 commercial truck drivers have been placed out of service this year for failing to meet mandatory English language proficiency tests, according to data released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and statements from Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The policy has had a notable impact on Indian-origin drivers, especially those from Punjab and Haryana, who form a large
Indian-origin drivers hit hardest as US trucking industry enforcement ramps up
The United States trucking industry is undergoing a significant enforcement shift as more than 7,000 commercial truck drivers have been placed out of service this year for failing to meet mandatory English language proficiency tests, according to data released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and statements from Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The policy has had a notable impact on Indian-origin drivers, especially those from Punjab and Haryana, who form a large
Canada rejects 74% of Indian student visa applications amid tighter immigration rules
Canada has recorded a sharp surge in the rejection of student visa applications from India, with nearly three out of every four applicants being denied entry to Canadian post-secondary institutions in August 2025. Data from Canada’s immigration department shows that 74% of Indian applications for study permits were refused, a dramatic increase from 32% during the same month in 2023. The figures indicate a growing policy shift in Ottawa’s approach to international education and immigration
Canada rejects 74% of Indian student visa applications amid tighter immigration rules
Canada has recorded a sharp surge in the rejection of student visa applications from India, with nearly three out of every four applicants being denied entry to Canadian post-secondary institutions in August 2025. Data from Canada’s immigration department shows that 74% of Indian applications for study permits were refused, a dramatic increase from 32% during the same month in 2023. The figures indicate a growing policy shift in Ottawa’s approach to international education and immigration
DeSantis orders Florida colleges to stop using H-1B visas for hiring foreign workers
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the state’s Board of Governors to prohibit the use of H-1B visas across Florida’s public colleges and universities. The move, announced during a press conference, marks one of the most restrictive state-level actions against the employment of foreign nationals in higher education. DeSantis argued that state-funded institutions should prioritize American citizens for all available positions, declaring that if universities cannot find qualified U.S
DeSantis orders Florida colleges to stop using H-1B visas for hiring foreign workers
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the state’s Board of Governors to prohibit the use of H-1B visas across Florida’s public colleges and universities. The move, announced during a press conference, marks one of the most restrictive state-level actions against the employment of foreign nationals in higher education. DeSantis argued that state-funded institutions should prioritize American citizens for all available positions, declaring that if universities cannot find qualified U.S
JD Vance’s remarks reignite debate on faith, immigration, and belonging in modern America
Mississippi: A charged moment unfolded at the University of Mississippi when United States Vice President JD Vance was questioned by a woman, believed to be of Indian origin, over the Trump administration’s tough immigration policies and his own interfaith household. The exchange, which was captured on video and widely shared online, has sparked conversation about America’s evolving immigration debate and the experiences of immigrant communities who feel increasingly alienated by recent p
JD Vance’s remarks reignite debate on faith, immigration, and belonging in modern America
Mississippi: A charged moment unfolded at the University of Mississippi when United States Vice President JD Vance was questioned by a woman, believed to be of Indian origin, over the Trump administration’s tough immigration policies and his own interfaith household. The exchange, which was captured on video and widely shared online, has sparked conversation about America’s evolving immigration debate and the experiences of immigrant communities who feel increasingly alienated by recent p
US ends automatic work permit extensions, impacting H-1B spouses and students
Washington: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the end of automatic extensions for certain Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), a policy change that will have significant consequences for thousands of foreign professionals, students, and asylum seekers working in the country. The change, effective October 30, removes the automatic renewal grace period that previously allowed eligible workers to continue employment while their EAD renewal applications w
US ends automatic work permit extensions, impacting H-1B spouses and students
Washington: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the end of automatic extensions for certain Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), a policy change that will have significant consequences for thousands of foreign professionals, students, and asylum seekers working in the country. The change, effective October 30, removes the automatic renewal grace period that previously allowed eligible workers to continue employment while their EAD renewal applications w
US ends automatic work permit extensions, impacting thousands of immigrants
A significant policy change by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to impact thousands of foreign professionals working across the country. Beginning October 30, 2025, the DHS will end the automatic extension of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a move that could temporarily leave many workers without legal permission to work while their renewal applications are processed. Until now, employees whose work permits had expired but whose renew
US ends automatic work permit extensions, impacting thousands of immigrants
A significant policy change by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to impact thousands of foreign professionals working across the country. Beginning October 30, 2025, the DHS will end the automatic extension of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a move that could temporarily leave many workers without legal permission to work while their renewal applications are processed. Until now, employees whose work permits had expired but whose renew
India-born man exonerated after 43 years now faces US deportation
Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam, an India-born man who spent 43 years in a Pennsylvania prison for a murder he did not commit, was freed earlier this month only to be detained again — this time by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 64-year-old Green Card holder, who arrived in the United States as a nine-month-old infant, was exonerated after newly uncovered FBI evidence proved his innocence. Yet, he now faces deportation to India under a decades-old immigration order dating bac
India-born man exonerated after 43 years now faces US deportation
Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam, an India-born man who spent 43 years in a Pennsylvania prison for a murder he did not commit, was freed earlier this month only to be detained again — this time by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 64-year-old Green Card holder, who arrived in the United States as a nine-month-old infant, was exonerated after newly uncovered FBI evidence proved his innocence. Yet, he now faces deportation to India under a decades-old immigration order dating bac
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
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









