India -West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC -More than half of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults in the United States say they or someone in their community have been affected by anti-immigrant policies or sentiment over the past year, according to a January 2026 survey conducted by Stop AAPI Hate in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago. The survey of 1,378 AAPI adults nationwide, conducted through NORC’s Amplify AAPI panel, found that 53% of respondent

WASHINGTON, DC -In a move that could directly affect thousands of foreign graduates, the US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed it is re-evaluating the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, signaling possible regulatory changes to the post-study work route for F-1 visa holders. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in a letter to Senator Eric Schmitt, said DHS is reviewing whether the current framework — including the scope and duration of practical training

WASHINGTON, DC – The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a new policy barring foreign nationals and non-citizens from accessing federally backed small business loans, saying the move is aimed at prioritizing American entrepreneurs amid rising demand for capital. The policy expands earlier restrictions and will apply across multiple SBA-guaranteed lending programs, including the agency’s Surety Bond and Microloan programs. Under the updated rule, applicants mu

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Feb. 12, 2026; source: Juice Consulting) — The Lunar Foundation is proud to announce that the 26th annual ustin Dragon Boat Festival will take place April 25, 2026 at Festival Beach, Lady Bird Lake (1621 Nash Hernandez Senior Rd, Austin, TX 78702), starting at 10 a.m. The Austin Dragon Boat Festival is one of Central Texas’s longest-running cultural celebrations, uniting hundreds of paddlers, performers, and families each spring. Established by Amy Wong Mok, F

NEW DELHI- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17 shared highlights of the India AI Impact Expo 2026 and said it was a powerful convergence of ideas, innovation and intent. “It showcased the extraordinary potential of Indian talent in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence for global good. Above all, it reaffirmed our commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence responsibly, inclusively and at scale for human progress,” Modi said. Earlier on February 16, the P

AUSTIN, TX –Texas authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation into suspected abuse of the H-1B visa program, placing three North Texas companies under scrutiny over alleged irregularities in foreign worker sponsorship. The probe, announced by the Texas Office of the Attorney General in a January 28 statement, marks increased state scrutiny of companies suspected of misusing the federal visa system. Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued Civil Investigative Demands

NEW DELHI- The India-EU summit scheduled for January 27 comes as part of the steady strengthening of economic relations between the two sides amid growing uncertainties in global markets triggered by the US tariff turmoil and dramatic geopolitical shifts in the world order. The summit, to be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and co-chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will witness the adoption of a do

What was once a one-way pipeline drawing ambitious Indian engineers to Silicon Valley is now showing signs of reversal, with uncertainty around the H-1B visa program pushing professionals to look elsewhere, often back home, Bloomberg reported. Written by FE News Desk The US is increasingly losing highly skilled tech talent to India as tighter immigration policies under President Donald Trump reshape global talent flows. What was once a one-way pipeline drawing ambitious India

India-West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC – During his political campaigns, President Donald Trump has often been seen on camera describing himself as “very greedy,” stating, “My whole life I’ve been greedy, greedy, greedy. I’ve grabbed all the money I can get.” Of course, making the pitch to his followers, he followed it with the idea he would be “greedy for the United States” when elected. In office, Donald Trump has erased the border between lobbying and bribery even as his admi

MUMBAI- Investors from more than 145 cities in India are now investing globally, with 47 per cent coming from Tier 2 and 3 cities, a report showed on December 15. The report by Vested Finance revealed that Indian investors are increasingly broadening their exposure beyond single-stock investments to include US equities, Index and thematic exchange-traded funds, private market opportunities, and global funds, including GIFT City–domiciled funds. This reflects a more structured

WASHINGTON, DC-The Trump Administration on December 23 announced sweeping changes to the H-1B work visa selection process, replacing the long-standing random lottery with a weighted system that prioritizes higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. The move, according to the Department of Homeland Security, is aimed at better protecting the wages, working conditions, and job opportunities of American workers while strengthening the integrity of the H-1B nonimmigrant visa

NEW DELHI-India on November 17 said that it has noted the verdict announced by the so-called ‘International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh’ concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and remains committed to the best interests of the people of the neighboring nation, including in peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability in the country. “As a close neighbor, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion

HONOLULU, HI- Senior military leaders of India and the United States are holding “productive discussions” focusing on strengthening bilateral defense engagements, enhancing interoperability, and promoting a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region, during the two-day India–US Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting which got underway at Hawaii, earlier November 4. Chief of Integrated Defense Staff (CISC) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit co-chaired the meeting with Lt. Gen. Joshua

WASHINGTON, D.C.– US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is “pretty close” to signing a trade agreement with India. The President made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor, the next US ambassador to India. “We are making a deal with India, much different deal than we had in the past…We’re getting a fair deal, just a fair-trade deal. We’re getting close…I think we’re pretty close to doing a deal that’s good for everybody,” Trump said. Trum

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For 25 years, the St. Jude Imagine Academy by Chili’s has been helping young patients continue their education while receiving lifesaving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — ensuring that school remains part of every child’s healing journey. The school program, accredited as a Special Purpose School by Cognia, supports students from preschool through high school who are undergoing treatment for cancer, sickle cell disease, and other life-thr

The Central Texas Bengali Association (CTBA) recently hosted its Annual Gala Musical Event 2025 in Austin, a grand evening that brought together music, culture, and community in unforgettable harmony. The highlight of the night was the performance of Padma Shri Kavita Krishnamurthy, one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, whose voice has touched millions across Bollywood, classical, and fusion music. Adding unmatched depth to this extraordinary concert was Shrikant,

NEW DELHI – US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on October 11, marking the start of his first official visit to India since being confirmed by the US Senate on October 7. During the meeting, Gor presented Modi with a framed photograph of the Prime Minister with former US President Donald Trump, signed with the message, ‘Mr Prime Minister, you are great.’ The image was taken earlier this year at a White House press briefing followin

India-West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC— The Trump administration is pre paring to defend its controversial new H-1B visa policy in federal court, following a wave of lawsuits challenging the $100,000 fee imposed on new visa applicants. The administration maintains that the fee hike is a necessary measure to protect American jobs and restore integrity to the skilled worker program. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaking to reporters on October 23, confirmed the ad

By Shweta Kukreti US President Donald Trump’s surprising decision to increase the H-1B visa cost to $100,000 ( ₹88 lakh) and set a short...

India-West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have...