immigration policy

New USCIS fingerprint checks are causing significant delays for immigration applications, including permanent residency and citizenship. Officials must resubmit biometrics for pending cases to the FBI's upgraded system, even if previously cleared. Attorneys warn this could lead to increased scrutiny of minor past interactions and disproportionately impact immigrants from certain regions.

The Supreme Court stated that illegal infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals is not a terrorist act, even as the BJP vows to expel them from West Bengal. The court granted bail to an individual arrested for facilitating illegal immigration, noting the porous border with Bangladesh and the large number of immigrants already in India.

A surge of legislative proposals in the US targets the H-1B visa program, proposing significant restrictions and even abolition. While some measures aim to protect American jobs, experts warn against blunt policies. The article suggests reforms like Australia's skilled occupation list and Canada's points-based system could offer better solutions for attracting global talent.

The Trump administration has suspended its controversial $15,000 visa bond requirement for eligible FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders from select countries, including Algeria, Senegal, and Tunisia. The waiver applies to fans enrolled in the FIFA Pass system for expedited visa processing. The move comes after pressure from FIFA and growing concerns over travel restrictions hurting tourism and international attendance ahead of the tournament hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Thailand is reducing its visa-free entry period from 60 to 30 days for 93 countries, including India, due to concerns over misuse and illegal activities. This move aims to curb unauthorized business operations and illegal employment, impacting Indian travelers who previously enjoyed longer stays.

Passengers on a Disney cruise ship in San Diego witnessed the arrest of several employees on April 23 or 25. US Customs and Border Protection boarded five cruise ships, including the Disney Magic, as part of child sexual exploitation material enforcement operations.

Moody's chief economist Mark Zandi warns of a 40% recession risk in the US within a year, citing 'counterproductive policy choices' like tariffs and restrictive immigration. He suggests abandoning these policies, ending the Iran war, and letting the Fed maintain steady interest rates could avert a downturn, despite slowing job growth.

US embassies now require nonimmigrant visa applicants to declare they don't fear persecution back home. This new rule, aimed at preventing asylum claims upon arrival, asks applicants if they've faced harm or fear it upon return. Experts warn this could force individuals into dangerous migration routes, jeopardizing their safety and families.

Trump again assails Pope Leo, potentially complicating Rubio's visit to Vatican this week

West Bengal's new BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has launched the "Annapurna Bhandaar" scheme. Eligible women will receive ₹3,000 monthly, replacing the previous "Lakshmir Bhandar." The cabinet also approved integrating the state with central schemes like Ayushman Bharat and addressing illegal immigration.

President Trump's China visit occurs amid a US-Iran stalemate, with analysts suggesting Xi Jinping holds more leverage. Many in Beijing view Trump as a symptom of liberal democracy's instability and American decline, validating Xi's "rise of the East" worldview. This perception of US weakness could lead China to miscalculate and test Washington.

US employers added a robust 115,000 jobs in April, surpassing expectations despite global economic uncertainty from the Iran conflict. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%. Healthcare and transportation sectors saw significant hiring, while manufacturing experienced job cuts. This resilient labor market suggests the Federal Reserve may hold off on interest rate cuts as inflation remains a concern.