The Indian American community should actively engage in conversations with policymakers to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform in the US. In the grand tapestry of American immigration, the story of Indian Americans usually unfolds as a tale of triumph and success. With nearly 4.5 million individuals, this vibrant community has earned the label of a “model minority” by excelling in various fields and making substantial contributions to the United States (US). … [Read more...]

  The US faces a challenging position in the India-Canada diplomatic conflict over the killing of a Sikh Canadian citizen. The diplomatic conflict between India and Canada over the recent killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh Canadian citizen wanted on terror charges in India, places the United States (US) in a difficult position, given its close relationships with both countries. Canada, its northern neighbour, has been a steadfast ally with whom the US shares a rich history. The US’s … [Read more...]

  Canadian work permit program attracts Indian tech professionals entangled in the prolonged US green card waiting process, highlighting flaws in US immigration. In mid-July, the Canadian government introduced a new initiative that provides work permits to foreign workers living in the United States (US) on valid H-1B visas. The programme, part of a series of immigration measures launched by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is aimed at addressing the growing demand for specialty workers … [Read more...]

  Despite affirmative action ruling, however, statistics show that African Americans and Hispanics are still underrepresented in elite universities. Late last month, the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled that the admission policies of Harvard University and the University of North Carolina (UNC), which gave weightage to students from minority communities, especially African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans, were unconstitutional and, therefore, illegal. The ruling, part … [Read more...]

  There is no conclusive evidence, but the influence of the US as the leader internationally appears to be on the wane. Will China replace the US in that leadership position? Time and what transpires over the next decade or so — in the US, in China, and around the world — will shape that story. Amid China’s economic and military rise, and Russia’s strategic manoeuvring during its war against Ukraine, there is a growing belief in national capitals across the world that the soft and hard … [Read more...]

  It is too early to predict what the full and permanent impact of these layoffs will be on the H-1B programme and the Indian economy. If the reading of the tea leaves by the US tech industry on recession turns out to be correct, its effect will be enormous. The technology industry in the United States (US) is shrinking. According to Layoff.fyi, more than a quarter million professionals have lost their jobs since the beginning of 2022, with 95,000 job losses occurring in 2023. This … [Read more...]

  India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1. If activities since then are any indication, it will be quite a ride over the next 11 months. Beginning December 4, New Delhi hosted four back-to-back preparatory meetings in three cities: The G20 Sherpa meeting in Udaipur; the development working group meeting in Mumbai; and meetings of two panels — finance and central bank deputies and framework working group — in Bengaluru. These events, attended by, among others, representatives of … [Read more...]

  Finance ministers, economists and representatives of 180 countries convened in Washington DC earlier this month for the first in-person annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-World Bank Group since the onset of Covid-19 in 2020. With the global economy on shaky ground, the mood was sombre. Days before the event, World Bank president David Malpass warned, “A series of harsh events and unprecedented macroeconomic policies are combining to throw development into crisis. … [Read more...]

    A viral video showing a woman hurling racial abuse at four Indian-American women outside a restaurant in Plano, Texas, sparked outrage on social media. “I hate you f*****g Indians,” the woman, who was arrested later, shouted. “Oh, these f****** Indians! They come to America because they want a better life. They obviously are not leading a great life in India.” The incident happened less than two months after an armed man showed up at the Seattle home of … [Read more...]