Trump administration
US Lawmakers Propose Major Reforms to H-1B and L-1 Visa Programs Targeting "Loopholes" and Fee Structures
Oct 01, 2025 04:58 pm CST
Three US senators have introduced significant legislation to reform H-1B and L-1 visa programs, targeting alleged loopholes exploited by employers. The bipartisan efforts aim to raise wage standards, mandate public job postings, and implement a wage-based selection process replacing the lottery system. With Indians comprising 71% of H-1B recipients, these changes could profoundly impact Indian IT companies and professionals while reshaping skilled immigration to the United States.
Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration's Targeting of Pro-Palestinian Students Unconstitutional Violation of Free Speech Rights
Oct 01, 2025 09:07 am CST
A federal judge has condemned the Trump administration's policy of arresting and attempting to deport international students participating in pro-Palestinian protests as unconstitutional suppression of free speech. Judge William Young ruled that non-citizen students retain First Amendment protections despite administration claims to the contrary, citing cases of students detained for weeks without criminal charges and revealing that authorities used lists from pro-Israel organizations to target individuals for arrest.
Trump Announces $500 Million Settlement with Harvard University to Establish Trade Schools
Oct 01, 2025 08:34 am CST
President Trump revealed that his administration is finalizing a $500 million settlement with Harvard University that would require the prestigious institution to operate trade schools focused on AI and other technical skills. This development comes amid ongoing disputes over allegations of anti-Semitism and federal funding restrictions, reflecting broader tensions between the Trump administration and elite academic institutions.
US Trade Representative Confirms 55% China Tariffs Remain While Seeking Balanced Trade Opportunities
Oct 01, 2025 08:13 am CST
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer affirmed the Trump administration's commitment to maintaining 55% tariffs on Chinese imports as a "good status quo," while expressing interest in expanding bilateral trade in non-sensitive sectors like agriculture and consumer goods. With a November 10 deadline approaching that could see tariffs spike to 145%, Greer emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue despite increasing political tensions and China's leveraging of rare earth mineral supplies in negotiations.
US Government Shutdown Crisis Looms as Senate Rejects Last-Minute Funding Proposals
Oct 01, 2025 08:04 am CST
The US government faces an imminent shutdown as funding expires at midnight following failed negotiations between Democrats and Republicans. Despite last-ditch efforts in the Senate, partisan disputes over healthcare funding and heated exchanges between Trump and Democratic leaders have prevented agreement on a temporary funding extension. If unresolved, hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed and essential services disrupted in the first government shutdown since 2018.
120 Iranian Nationals Facing Deportation From US Under Trump Administration's Immigration Enforcement
Sep 30, 2025 06:32 pm CST
Iran announces 120 citizens will be returning home this week as part of a rare deportation agreement between the US and Iran. The deportations are part of a broader plan to remove approximately 400 Iranians from the United States, most for illegal entry, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies even toward countries with concerning human rights records.
Former National Security Advisor Bolton Criticizes Trump's India Tariffs as Strategic Misstep
Sep 30, 2025 03:29 pm CST
John Bolton, former national security advisor under Trump, has criticized the president's decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian imports over Russian oil purchases. Bolton argues this move ignores the bigger strategic picture in US-India relations while failing to directly sanction Russia or China, which purchases significantly more Russian oil than India. The criticism highlights tensions in US foreign policy approaches toward key strategic partners.
FBI Director Kash Patel's Replica Gun Gifts Destroyed for Violating New Zealand's Strict Firearms Laws
Sep 30, 2025 03:27 pm CST
During an official visit to open the FBI's first standalone office in Wellington, FBI Director Kash Patel presented New Zealand law enforcement officials with display stands containing 3D-printed replica pistols that violated local gun laws. These potentially operable weapons were subsequently seized and destroyed by New Zealand authorities, highlighting the significant differences between US and New Zealand approaches to firearms regulation following the country's 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings.
Trump Administration Announces Major H-1B Visa Overhaul: $100,000 Fee and System Reform Coming by 2026
Sep 30, 2025 02:17 pm CST
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed plans for comprehensive changes to the H-1B visa program before February 2026, including the implementation of a $100,000 one-time fee for new applications. The administration aims to prioritize highly-skilled professionals like doctors and educators while reducing reliance on "inexpensive" tech consultants. Simultaneously, the Department of Labor has launched "Project Firewall" to protect American workers and ensure employer compliance with visa regulations.
Understanding the 2024 US Government Shutdown: Impact on Federal Services and Trump Administration Standoff
Sep 30, 2025 01:49 pm CST
The United States faces an imminent federal government shutdown as negotiations stall between Republicans and Democrats over federal funding. This comprehensive analysis examines how critical services will be affected, which agencies will continue operating, and the political conflict between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats regarding healthcare benefits and federal expenditures that has led to this potential crisis.