News for 'Immigration and Citizenship'

Obama's immigration norms to ease Indian IT firms concerns

Obama's immigration norms to ease Indian IT firms concerns

Rediff.com23 Nov 2014

It was expected to be a friendly Bill for the IT outsourcing industry

US girl posing as Indian did MBBS, HC asks to pay NRI fees for exit permit

US girl posing as Indian did MBBS, HC asks to pay NRI fees for exit permit

Rediff.com20 Mar 2023

Coming to India on a tourist visa as a child, she had completed her education throughout claiming to be an Indian citizen.

Obama lashes out at opponents for not passing immigration bill

Obama lashes out at opponents for not passing immigration bill

Rediff.com1 Jul 2014

Obama announced to take a series of executive actions, including a shift of immigration enforcement resources.

H-1B, L-1 visa fees to be hiked massively

H-1B, L-1 visa fees to be hiked massively

Rediff.com5 Jan 2023

The Biden administration has proposed a massive hike in immigration fees, including the much sought-after H-1B visas for high-skilled foreign workers, which is very popular among Indian tech professionals. Under the proposed rule, published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Wednesday, the application for the H-1B visa increases from $460 to $780, and L-1 from $460 to $1,385. The application fee for O-1 visas has been proposed to increase from $460 to $1,055.

FCRA bribery case leads to overhaul of MHA's foreigners division

FCRA bribery case leads to overhaul of MHA's foreigners division

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

Following the arrest of six ministry of home affairs officials in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) bribery case, the foreigners division of MHA has been overhauled to break the chain of deep-rooted network.

WOW Moments From Paris Olympics!

WOW Moments From Paris Olympics!

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

With the athletes bidding goodbye to Paris after another bone-tingling edition of the Olympics, Norma Astrid Godinho/Rediff.com, shares some interesting nuggets that made the Paris Olympics an event to remember!

Good news for those in US on business or tourist visa

Good news for those in US on business or tourist visa

Rediff.com23 Mar 2023

The US has announced that individuals travelling to the country on a business or tourist visa - B-1 and B-2 - can apply for new jobs and even appear in interviews, but the prospective employees must ensure that they have changed their visa status before starting a new role. B-1 and B-2 visas are generally referred to as "B visas", and they are the most common types of visa issued for a wide range of uses in the United States. The B-1 visa is issued mainly for short-term business trips, while the B-2 visa is issued mainly travelling for tourism purposes.

H-1B visa: US reaches cap for 2023

H-1B visa: US reaches cap for 2023

Rediff.com24 Aug 2022

The US has received sufficient number of applications needed to reach the Congressionally mandated 65,000 H1-B visa cap for the fiscal year 2023, the country's federal agency for immigration services said on Tuesday. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Grace period for retrenched H1-B workers to be extended to 180 days

Grace period for retrenched H1-B workers to be extended to 180 days

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

A presidential advisory sub-committee has recommended the federal government to extend the grace period for H1-B workers, who have lost their jobs, from the existing 60 days to 180 days so that the workers have enough opportunities to find a new job or other alternatives. "The immigration subcommittee recommends the Department of Homeland Security and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to extend the grace period for H1-B workers, who have lost their jobs, from 60 days to 180 days," Ajay Jain Bhutoria, member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, said on Tuesday. In his presentation, Bhutoria highlighted the significant challenges faced by H1-B workers laid off from their jobs.

Canada: 'Students shouldn't be worried'

Canada: 'Students shouldn't be worried'

Rediff.com27 Sep 2023

'There is no reason to anticipate a drastic change in Canada's attitude towards Indian students.'

8 held in Tripura for illegal entry of Bangladeshis, Rohingyas into India

8 held in Tripura for illegal entry of Bangladeshis, Rohingyas into India

Rediff.com31 Jul 2023

The arrests were made from different districts of Tripura by teams of Assam police's special task force, he said.

Jobless In US, Indian Techies Face Uncertain Future

Jobless In US, Indian Techies Face Uncertain Future

Rediff.com23 Jan 2023

Those on H-1B visas have to find a new job within 60 days or head back to India.

No more amendments to CAA to include more minorities

No more amendments to CAA to include more minorities

Rediff.com4 Aug 2021

The objective of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, enacted in 2019, is to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim persecuted minorities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians -- from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

SC grants 3 weeks to Assam, Tripura to file pleas on CAA, hearing on Dec 6

SC grants 3 weeks to Assam, Tripura to file pleas on CAA, hearing on Dec 6

Rediff.com31 Oct 2022

It said that the nodal counsel would consider designating some other matters as lead ones, keeping in mind the grounds of geographical and religious classifications among other factors.

Abrahamic binary has outlived its utility

Abrahamic binary has outlived its utility

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

It is only the Indian approach of holding on to multiple realities and contradictory ideas simultaneously that is likely to deliver peace and progress. Binary logic is out of sync with reality, notes R Jagannathan.

'Modi and Trudeau will sacrifice our dreams'

'Modi and Trudeau will sacrifice our dreams'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

As India's diplomatic tensions with the Land of the Maple Leaf escalate, so do the anxieties of countless Punjabis.

Canadian lawmakers back Indian students facing deportation

Canadian lawmakers back Indian students facing deportation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

A Canadian parliamentary committee has voted unanimously to urge the border services agency to stop the deportation of nearly 700 Indian students who were duped by unscrupulous education consultants in India to enter the country with "fraudulent college admission letters."

No CAA/NRC protest banners! IPL ticket advisory in four cities

No CAA/NRC protest banners! IPL ticket advisory in four cities

Rediff.com2 Apr 2023

Four cities, including, Delhi, Mohali, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad have been issued ticket advisories with fans being banned from carrying protest banners.

Plot to kill Pannun: SC asks Gupta to move Czech court

Plot to kill Pannun: SC asks Gupta to move Czech court

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the hearing for January 4 2024, of the habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Nikhil Gupta, accused by the United States of conspiring to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a India designated terrorist, against his arrest and ongoing extradition proceedings in the Czech Republic.

It's just bad: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on CAA

It's just bad: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on CAA

Rediff.com14 Jan 2020

In a statement issued by Microsoft India, Nadella said: "Every country will and should define its borders, protect national security and set immigration policy accordingly. And in democracies, that is something that the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds. "I'm shaped by my Indian heritage, growing up in a multicultural India and my immigrant experience in the United States. My hope is for an India where an immigrant can aspire to found a prosperous start-up or lead a multinational corporation benefitting Indian society and the economy at large".

Govt holding talks with Kuki, Meitei groups: Source

Govt holding talks with Kuki, Meitei groups: Source

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

Refuting the opposition's claim that Manipur 'is burning', a senior government functionary said on Thursday that no killing has happened in the state since July 18 and asserted that peace and normalcy will be restored soon through ongoing talks with the two warring communities -- Meiteis and Kukis.

CAB gets President's assent, becomes Act

CAB gets President's assent, becomes Act

Rediff.com13 Dec 2019

The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha yesterday. The Act comes into effect with its publication in the official gazette on Thursday.

US reaches H-1B visa cap for 2021

US reaches H-1B visa cap for 2021

Rediff.com18 Feb 2021

The US has received enough petitions needed to reach the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2021 and successful candidates for the most sought-after work visa among foreign professionals, including Indians, would be decided by a computerised draw of lots. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Govt seeks more time to file replies, SC puts off CAA hearing to Oct 31

Govt seeks more time to file replies, SC puts off CAA hearing to Oct 31

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

The Supreme Court on Monday said it will hear on October 31 a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

US readies plan to facilitate H-1B, L1 visa holders

US readies plan to facilitate H-1B, L1 visa holders

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

The US is planning to resume the process of domestic visa revalidation in certain categories, like H-1B and L1 visas, on a pilot basis later this year, a move that will benefit tens of thousands of foreign tech workers, particularly from India. Until 2004, certain categories of non-immigrant visas, particularly the H-1B, could be renewed or stamped inside the US. After that, for the renewal of these visas, in particular, those on H-1B, the foreign tech workers have to go out of the country, mostly to their own country to get the H-1B extension stamped on their passport.

Fearing father's layoff, Indian schoolgirl goes missing in US

Fearing father's layoff, Indian schoolgirl goes missing in US

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

Tanvi Marupally from Conway, Arkansas was last seen in her neighbourhood on January 17 when she left for school on the bus, the Conway police department said.

US makes it easier for H-1B spouses to take up employment

US makes it easier for H-1B spouses to take up employment

Rediff.com12 Nov 2021

In yet another immigration-friendly move that would benefit thousands of Indian-American women, the Biden administration has agreed to provide automatic work authorisation permits to the spouses of H-1B visa holders, most of whom are Indian IT professionals.

H-4 visa holders may get an automatic right to work in America

H-4 visa holders may get an automatic right to work in America

Rediff.com8 Apr 2022

Two US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that aims at granting an automatic right to H-4 visa holders to work in the country, a move which will benefit the spouses of thousands of foreigners, including Indians, and also address the labour shortage affecting American businesses. H-4 visas are issued to dependent spouses and children who accompany H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders to the United States. Many H-4 visa holders are highly skilled people in their own right and previously had careers of their own or worked to support their families.

Trump lobs racially charged attacks at Republican rival Nikki Haley

Trump lobs racially charged attacks at Republican rival Nikki Haley

Rediff.com20 Jan 2024

Trump's attack against Haley, a daughter of Indian immigrants who served as his UN ambassador, comes days before a hotly contested New Hampshire primary that could determine the trajectory of the party's presidential nomination contest.

Govt granted more time to frame CAA rules

Govt granted more time to frame CAA rules

Rediff.com23 Mar 2021

The Committees on Subordinate Legislation, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have granted time up to April 9 and July 9 respectively to frame these rules, he said in a written reply.

Cong to strongly oppose CAB in Parliament

Cong to strongly oppose CAB in Parliament

Rediff.com8 Dec 2019

The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan escaping religious persecution there.

NDA ally demands repeal of CAA at all-party meeting

NDA ally demands repeal of CAA at all-party meeting

Rediff.com28 Nov 2021

There was no response from the government but it has taken note of the demand, Sangma said.

US Immigration Bill can lead to $30 bn/year loss to India

US Immigration Bill can lead to $30 bn/year loss to India

Rediff.com15 Aug 2014

There are about 2 million eligible Indian origin people that can vote.

CAA applicants need to show proof of religious belief, say officials

CAA applicants need to show proof of religious belief, say officials

Rediff.com27 Jan 2020

The applicants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain or Parsi faiths will also have to furnish documents to prove that they entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Trump's in-laws become US citizens using 'chain migration', which he criticises

Trump's in-laws become US citizens using 'chain migration', which he criticises

Rediff.com10 Aug 2018

CHAIN MIGRATION must end now, Trump had tweeted ion November.

Indian becomes US citizen in rare ceremony at White House hosted by Trump

Indian becomes US citizen in rare ceremony at White House hosted by Trump

Rediff.com26 Aug 2020

Immigrants from five countries -- India, Bolivia, Lebanon, Sudan and Ghana -- stood in a line during the ceremony in the White House.

United States reaches 65,000 H-1B visa cap for 2022: USCIS

United States reaches 65,000 H-1B visa cap for 2022: USCIS

Rediff.com1 Mar 2022

The US has received enough petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap for the fiscal year 2022, a federal agency has announced. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

CAA rules are under preparation: MHA tells Lok Sabha

CAA rules are under preparation: MHA tells Lok Sabha

Rediff.com2 Feb 2021

The rules under the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted over a year ago, are under preparation, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

'Kerala Assembly CAA resolution has no legal standing'

'Kerala Assembly CAA resolution has no legal standing'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2020

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Thursday said the resolution passed by the state assembly demanding scrapping of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act has no constitutional or legal validity. "Citizenship comes exclusively in the domain of the central government. The state government has no role. So, why these people engaged in something which is a non-issue for Kerala?, he asked.

Why are the Rich Leaving India?

Why are the Rich Leaving India?

Rediff.com16 Aug 2021

'For HNIs, shifting economic activities outside India by creating regional hubs for businesses is a better option.'