US CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES
SC asks EC to consider Aadhaar as identity proof for SIR in Bihar, clarifies it is not proof of citizenship
Supreme Court on Monday asked the Election Commission of India to consider accepting Aadhaar as a document to establish the identity of voters in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, while making it clear that Aadhaar cannot be treated as proof of citizenship.
US immigrants now face higher deportation risks. Here's why
Immigrants in the U.S. are facing increased deportation risks as immigration enforcement agencies utilize IRS data to identify unauthorized employment. Reporting income from side jobs while on visas like H-1B or F-1 can lead to visa denials and removal proceedings. Attorneys advise caution, as tax records are under greater scrutiny, potentially impacting immigration status.
Golden visas for Indians: Amid changing rules and global uncertainty, golden visa calculations now include risk-hedging, estate planning, taxation
From EB-5 uncertainty to Portugal’s property ban, wealthy Indian families are rethinking their residency strategies as global rules tighten.
US to target more businesses after Hyundai raid, top official says
The Trump administration plans to intensify immigration enforcement at workplaces, according to White House official Tom Homan, following a raid on a Hyundai facility in Georgia that resulted in hundreds of arrests. Homan stated that businesses hiring undocumented immigrants exploit them for lower wages, undercutting competition.
Several of Trump's immigration policies have faced lawsuits, court rulings
President Trump's stringent immigration policies, including expanded deportations and challenges to birthright citizenship, have faced significant legal challenges. Courts have blocked the administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act against alleged gang members and halted fast-track deportations, citing due process concerns. The future of Temporary Protected Status and humanitarian parole remains uncertain as legal battles continue, impacting millions.
NDA-ally AGP to move Supreme Court, seek exemption of Assam from immigrant foreigners' directive
Asom Gana Parishad will move to the Supreme Court. The party opposes the Centre's order on immigrant foreigners. AGP fears it violates the Assam Accord. The Accord sets a deadline for detecting illegal foreigners. The Centre's order allows certain religious groups from neighboring countries to stay without valid documents. AGP had earlier challenged the Citizenship Amendment Act.
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What to know about Ireland’s ‘Long-Term Residency’ program
Ireland's Long-Term Residency program offers non-EU citizens a pathway to permanent settlement after five years of legal residence. It attracts skilled workers by providing access to Ireland's job market, healthcare, and education. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including employment and a clean criminal record, to obtain a Stamp 4 Visa, granting them the right to live and work in Ireland.
US immigration authorities arrested 475 workers at Hyundai facility in Georgia on Thursday, ICE official says
Many of those arrested had temporary visas for tourism and business travel that are not authorized for work, including South Korean nationals, the official told Reuters.
Centre's new order divisive, says Chief minister Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of double standards before the 2026 elections. She criticizes the 'Immigration and Foreigners Exemption order 2025'. Banerjee claims the order, benefiting minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, excludes Muslims. She questions the lack of parliamentary discussion. The order offers relief to Matuas and Hindu refugees who migrated after 2014. Concerns arise about voting rights and citizenship.
Trump administration offers up to $1000 cash bonuses to police for immigration arrests
The Trump administration is offering cash bonuses to police officers. These bonuses are for meeting immigration arrest targets. The program expands enforcement through the 287(g) program. Officers could receive up to $1,000 each quarter. This depends on ICE-directed arrests. The initiative adds to existing reimbursements. ICE seeks to expand its ranks. A Republican spending bill supports the payments.
Trump official says current citizenship test is 'too easy', signals overhaul to ensure 'attachment to Constitution'
The Trump administration plans to make the US citizenship test harder. Officials believe the current test is too easy. They want to ensure applicants understand American civic duties. The new test might include an essay. It could also use standardized testing. USCIS will resume interviewing neighbors. They will also expand their law enforcement unit.
H-1B reforms may be next, says USCIS chief as White House readies announcement
The White House is considering changes to the H-1B visa program to protect American workers, according to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. The administration is weighing a "Weighted Selection" rule and exploring broader reforms, potentially prioritizing higher wages. Simultaneously, the Department of Justice is investigating hiring practices that may favor H-1B workers over US citizens, signaling increased scrutiny of the program.
H-1B visa scrutiny rises as DOJ launches discrimination probes
The US Department of Justice is investigating H-1B visa-related hiring discrimination claims amid calls for program reform. Several probes are underway, examining allegations of companies favoring visa holders over qualified American workers. Policy changes are also reshaping the H-1B process, including a shift to a beneficiary-centric lottery and potential wage-based allocation.
America's immigration agency that issues visas & green cards is hiring armed officers
US Citizenship and Immigration Services will soon have its own law-enforcement unit. This unit can carry weapons and make arrests. The agency aims to combat fraud in immigration applications. Officers will target immigrants and lawyers involved in violations. Critics worry this may deter eligible applicants. The force will focus on detecting fraudulent activities.
Assam CM Himanta says Bengali Hindus don't need to apply for citizenship under CAA
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says most Bengali Hindus are already citizens. Protests erupt over CAA implementation. The government extends the entry cut-off date. AASU launches a hunger strike demanding eviction of illegal immigrants. Dulon Das received citizenship under CAA in August 2024. Assam witnessed violent protests against CAA in the past.
Centre extends CAA relief to 2024 entrants, Matua community rejoices
The Centre's 'Immigration and Foreigners Exemption order 2025' brings relief to the Matua community in Bengal, potentially reshaping political dynamics before the 2026 elections. This order allows minorities, including Hindus, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India before December 31, 2024, due to religious persecution to apply for Indian citizenship under CAA.
Union minister Sukanta Majumdar says secularism, communism will survive if Hindus remain in majority
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar emphasizes the importance of Hindu majority for secularism. He credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Majumdar highlights the plight of Dalit refugees from East Bengal. He mentions Jogendra Nath Mandal's experience. The CAA aims to aid persecuted non-Muslim refugees. The government extends the deadline for CAA applications.
Persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Jains from Afghanistan, B'desh, Pak who entered India up to 2024 to be allowed to stay: MHA
India's Home Ministry makes a significant announcement. Minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan can stay without travel documents. Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians are included. This applies to those who arrived by December 31, 2024. The order provides relief to many, especially Hindus from Pakistan. It addresses concerns about their status in India after 2014.
US halts EB-2 Green Card issuance till September 30; Indian applicants face longer wait times
The US State Department confirms the EB-2 visa category has reached its annual limit for fiscal year 2025, impacting skilled workers and professionals. No new EB-2 visas will be issued until October 1, 2025. Indian applicants face further delays due to existing backlogs, with no progress in priority dates reported in September 2025.
Citizenship dream turns nightmare: ICE detains woman with Green Card even after passing exam
Sharareh Moghadam, a legal U.S. resident with a green card, was detained by ICE after passing her citizenship exam. Her husband and local community are supporting her. ICE says she has a criminal record. The case raises questions about U.S. immigration enforcement and how green card holders are treated, drawing attention nationwide to similar detention cases.
Immigrant workforce shrinks by 1.2 million, raising concerns across US economy
Over 1.2 million immigrants have exited the US labor force this year, impacting sectors like farming, construction, and home healthcare. Stricter immigration enforcement and a halt in border influx are contributing factors. This decline is slowing job creation and raising concerns about labor shortages across various industries, potentially affecting essential services.
How the new US visa rule on 'fixed periods of stay' could impact international students
The US plans to replace the “duration of status” system with fixed stay periods for F, J, and I visa holders. Students would get a four-year limit with only a 30-day grace period, reduced from 60 days. The rule adds paperwork, restricts program changes, and removes deference to past approvals, creating uncertainty in higher education.
New US rule bars student visa holders from changing courses in first year
The US Department of Homeland Security proposes new restrictions on F-1 student visas, limiting program changes and prohibiting enrollment in programs at the same or lower levels after completion. A fixed stay period of up to four years would be implemented, requiring extensions and increasing the risk of overstaying.
US to limit visa duration for international students, media professionals & cultural exchange visitors
The Trump administration proposed new rules to limit the duration of visas for international students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists. F visas for students and J visas for exchange workers would be capped at four years, while I visas for journalists would be limited to 240 days, or 90 days for Chinese nationals.
US to resume neighborhood investigations for citizenship applicants
USCIS is resuming neighborhood investigations for naturalization applicants, ending a long-standing waiver. These checks, authorized by the INA, assess residency, moral character, and attachment to the Constitution. USCIS officers will now apply this provision on a case-by-case basis, potentially requesting testimonial letters to ensure applicants meet all statutory requirements.
Green card process: Why I-140 approval alone does not grant US residency
An approved I-140 petition is a crucial step toward a green card, establishing eligibility and securing a priority date. However, it doesn't grant immediate residency, work authorization, or lawful status in the U.S. Beneficiaries must maintain their nonimmigrant status and either adjust status within the U.S. or pursue consular processing abroad once their priority date is current, navigating potential backlogs.
Indian in US sentenced for visa fraud conspiracy, faces deportation
Rambhai Patel, an Indian national in New York, received a 20-month prison sentence for masterminding a visa fraud scheme. Patel and an accomplice staged at least 18 armed robberies across multiple states, enabling participants to fraudulently apply for U visas reserved for crime victims assisting law enforcement. He profited approximately $850,000 from the scheme and faces deportation after his sentence.
US to now scrutinise 'Anti-Americanism' in immigration requests
USCIS has updated its policy to include scrutiny of "anti-American" activity in immigration benefit requests. Officers will consider support for terrorist groups, antisemitism, and promotion of anti-American ideologies as strongly negative factors. Expanded social media checks will also be used to vet applicants, emphasizing that immigration benefits are a privilege, not an entitlement.
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