NRI ( Page 37 of 83 )

Indian Businessman Fined for $40,000 For Filing False Information in Visa Application August 11, 2017 16:51

An Indian origin businessman based in New Hampshire has been fined by the court for a whooping $40,000 along with three-year probation by a federal court for filing false information in the H-1B visa application, according to a US attorney. The documents released by court said that an Indian-origin businessman Rohit Saksena has pleaded guilty for making false statements in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. 42-year-old Saksena, who is a President and CEO of Saks IT group LLC, company based in Manchester, New Hampshire, has allegedly filed 45 fraudulent visas in order to hire more people for providing service to a california-based company. According to the US Department of Justice, various malpractices have been found in the activities by the Saksena’s company file filing visa applications including some bogus independent contractor agreements. However the department has said that the visa applications by Saxena have been rejected after finding about the deception by him. By Prajakt K.

Indians Can Now Stay Up to 60 Days in Qatar Without Visa August 10, 2017 18:54

Under the new visa-free scheme by the Qatar Administration, Indians along with nationals of other 46 nations can stay in Qatar for minimum of 60 days without a valid visa. The decision has been taken…

United States May Lose Its Competitiveness Due to Tightening of H-1B Rules August 09, 2017 15:22

According to an American think tank the top IT companies in the United States would find it highly difficult to attract more fresh talent from countries such as India and may lose its competitiveness, says a report published in the Economic Times. Center for Global Development (CGD) report says that the H-1B visa which is under clampdown by the Trump Administration is sought mostly by the Indian IT students, but it is beneficial for both US and India. Co-author of the report, Gaurav Khanna has been quoted by saying that it is important to create equal opportunities for students of both the countries in the IT sector as they allow growth as well as innovation in both the countries. The reports, titled as “The IT Boom and Other Unintended Consequences of Chasing the American Dream” provides detailed look on how H-1B visas affect the economies of both US and India. The report says that both the economies have been benefited significantly due to H-1B visas. The research for the paper has been done with the help of documents since the year 2000 and has been found significant growth in the salary of the workers in US in 2010 due to the H-1B program.

Dilip Chauhan Appointed as Deputy Comptroller of Minority Affairs In Nassau County August 08, 2017 17:31

Dilip Chauhan, an Indian-American, has been appointed on the senior position of Nassau County in New York. He will work in order to increase the reach to the minority community. The statement released by the government stated that Chauhan has been appointed as the Deputy Comptroller for Minority Affairs of Nassau Country by the Comptroller George Maragos. Chauhan has been working with the Comptroller’s office since 2015 as the Director for Community Affairs, South and East Asia along with the adviser to Comptroller since 2017. The statements also stressed on that minority community is an integral part of the social fabric of the Nassau County and although the Comptroller’s Office is doing its best for the minority community, a lot more has to do on the rights of the minority community. In a statement released by Chauhan, he responded on his new responsibility that he is honored to be appointed as the Deputy Comptroller and will work to create equal opportunities for the whole minority community.

Trump Administration Wants to Block 'Startup Visas' July 11, 2017 16:39

The Trump administration is planning to rescind an Obama-era program that would allow foreign entrepreneurs who launch startup companies in the U.S. to live in the country. The program will allow the non-U.S. citizens who had launched companies that has won $100,000 in government grants or received $250,000 as venture capital investment can stay in the U.S. for a renewable 30-month term. Finalized in the last days of the Obama administration, was set to take effect July 17. The Trump administration has announced that it would delay the program until next March as the Department of Homeland Security launches an additional review of the so-called "startup visa." A notice that the department issued indicates that in the interim the administration will propose rescinding the program. "Big mistake," Steve Case, founder of America Online and now chief executive officer of the Revolution LLC investment fund, said in a Twitter statement. "Immigrant entrepreneurs are job makers, not job takers." "At a time when countries around the world are doing all they can to attract and retain talented individuals to come to their shores to build and grow innovative companies, the Trump Administration is signaling its intent to do the exact opposite," Bobby Franklin, president and CEO of the trade group said. "There is little benefit to losing any more ground in attracting entrepreneurs and their investments," the senators, which include Arizona’s John McCain and Jeff Flake, Utah’s Orrin Hatch, and Jerry Moran of Kansas, said in the letter. By Premji

Immigration efforts in Phoenix could change July 11, 2017 16:00

The Phoenix Police Department may be dramatically changing how officers handle the encounters with undocumented immigrants, a draft police policy document shared with law enforcement and community stakeholders, states. Ken Crane, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, worries about the department's proposed changes, starting with crossing "enforcement" out of the title. "It was leading us down the path of sanctuary cities policies, which is something we definitely need to stay away from," Crane said. Phoenix's old policy was crossed out in the draft obtained and added in, a requirement for all officers wanting to call ICE federal immigration agents to funnel all requests through a single Phoenix police supervisor. "They're gonna put so many restrictions on you and so many hoops you've got to jump through that it makes you, just the average street cop, throw up their hands and say, 'Screw it, not even worth it.'" "This policy now reaffirms that school resource officers will not ask students or parents on campus for their documentation, for their papers," Puente Executive Director Carlos Garcia said. "We're trying to fix something that ain't broke," Crane said. Garcia says the draft policy is a good step, but even more needs to change. "As long as police and immigration act together, our community will not trust the police department and will continue to see people being deported, families being separated and more distrust in our community with the police," Garcia said. By Premji

Two Indian-Americans to be honored with 'Great Immigrants' July 01, 2017 15:19

Adobe chief Shantanu Narayen and former US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy are among 38 immigrants, who will be honored this year for their contribution to the country's society, culture, and economy. Narayen and Murthy will be honored with the prestigious 'Great Immigrants' annual award on US's Independence Day on July 4. Born in the UK 39-year-old Murthy, is a Harvard and Yale alumnus. He was appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2014, becoming the first Indian-American to occupy the post and also the youngest surgeon general of the United States. However, Murthy was dismissed this year in April by the Trump administration. 54-year-old Narayen is a native of Hyderabad. He holds a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering, a master's in computer science and an MBA from UC Berkeley. He is a board member of Pfizer and US-India Business Council. Among other honorees include Canadian-origin social entrepreneur Jeff Skoll, PayPal co-founder of Ukrainian-origin Max Levchin, Iranian-origin philanthropist and entrepreneur Hushang Ansary. Each year since 2006, the corporation has recognized the contributions of naturalized citizens, and for 2017, the honorees represent more than 30 different countries of origin, a wide range of personal immigration stories, and a high-level of professional leadership in numerous fields. "Our annual tribute to 'Great Immigrants' demonstrates the richness of talent, skills, and achievements that immigrants from around the world bring to every sphere of American society," said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York. "This campaign reminds us of the debt the United States owes to generations of immigrants who become citizens and contribute to the progress of this country. Today, we celebrate and thank them," he said. The honorees will be recognized with a full-page public service announcement in The New York Times and an online public awareness initiative. In keeping with this mandate, the corporation's agenda focuses on the issues that Andrew Carnegie considered of paramount importance: international peace, the advancement of education and knowledge, and a strong democracy. Amandeep

Indian-American appointed U.S. Ambassador to Peru June 29, 2017 13:04

United States President Donald Trump has appointed an Indian-American as the new U.S. Ambassador to Peru. Krishna R Urs, who is a career service American diplomat since 1986 is currently 'Charge d'Affarires of U.S. Embassy in Spain's capital Madrid, where he also served as the Deputy Chief of Mission. During the three decades of his service at State Department, Mr. Urs as specialized in economic issues and developed extensive policy experience in the Andean region of South American. A media release said that Mr. Urs has served at seven U.S. Embassies and also as a senior leadership positions in Washington D.C. Mr. Urs completed his MS from the University of Texas and did his graduation in BS from Georgetown University. He speaks fluent Spanish as well as some Hindi and Telugu. Before appointing as the U.S. Ambassador to Peru, he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs and Chief of U.S. Government Aviation Negotiator at the Department of State from November 2010 until June 2014. He has also served as Director in the Office of Aviation Negotiations in the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs in the Department of State, Charge d'Affaires, at the US Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia, Deputy Chief of Mission at the same embassy, Director of the Office of Economic Policy and Summit Coordination in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the Department of State. Indian-American self made billionaire in Chicago AMandeep

US Senator slams Chinese media for threatening Indian-origin June 24, 2017 17:49

A top U.S. Senator has slammed Chinese media for “threatening” Indian-origin chancellor of the University of California, San Diego for hosting the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan spiritual leader delivered the commencement address at the University of June 7. California Senator, Dianne Feinstein said: “I find it unconscionable that a reporter for the Global Times, a mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, would threaten UC San Diego and its chancellor and students for inviting the Dalai Lama to speak.” In a statement, Feinstein demanded the Chinese newspaper to apologize and retract the article that threatens to withhold visas from Chancellor Pradeep Khosla but also suggests that the university would be punished by withholding students. “The newspaper’s portrayal of the Dalai Lama as an anti-China separatist is also patently false,” she said. “I’ve known the Dalai Lama for more than 25 years and was directly involved in the latest discussions between him and the Chinese government. The Dalai Lama doesn’t wish to separate Tibet from China. Rather, he strives for greater autonomy so Tibetans may freely practice their faith,” Feinstein said. “The Dalai Lama’s desire to end religious persecution for his people doesn’t make him a separatist, it makes him a peaceful leader who should serve as an inspiration to all students. “The Chinese government and the media outlets it directly controls should recognize this and not threaten Americans or American institutions,” said the Senator from California. In its editorial on June 20, Global Times threatened the University Chancellor, saying: “Khosla must bear the consequences for this.” It went on to say: “His support for Tibet independence will affect his personal and the university’s exchanges with China. Chinese universities will take cooperative programs with it into prudent reconsideration. “It’s suggested that relevant Chinese authorities not issue visas to the chancellor and not recognize diplomas or degree certificates issued by the university in China.” The International Campaign for Tibet has also condemned the article and said that there is no evidence to suggest that Chancellor Khosla has been involved in any action supporting the independence of Tibet. TATA to Jointly make F-16s with Lockheed Martin under “Make In India” AMandeep

Aadhaar not mandatory for NRIs June 20, 2017 18:24

Non-Residential-Indians (NRIs) across the world get a sign of relief after the Indian government officials clarified that NRIs were exempted from the mandatory requirement of Aadhaar card to file tax returns in India effective July 1. Since only Indian residents are entitled to get the unique identification number as per the Aadhaar Act, it is not a compulsion for NRIs to apply for Aadhaar card, said officials. "So the July 31 deadline to comply with the rule of obtaining an Aadhaar card for filing Income Tax returns does not apply in the case of non-resident Indians," said Bharatbhai Shah, Convener of NRI Cell, Indian Business and Professional Council, Sharjah, said. Despite the exemption previously announced many NRIs expressed their concerns about disruption of transactions in Non-Resident External bank accounts in India and filing of income tax returns. As Permanent Account Number (PAN) was already made mandatory for holding a bank account, NRIs are concerned about a June 30 deadline to link Aadhaar with PAN. Failure to link Aadhaar with PAN makes PAN redundant and hence some NRIs feared that this could affect their banking transactions. However, Aadhaar will be made compulsory for those NRIs who had resided in India for more than 182 days in aggregate in the past 12 months, Shah said. He further clarified that a resident is an individual who stayed in India for a period of 182 days or more in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application for enrollment. As per Section 139AA of the Income-tax Act shall not apply to an NRI who had stayed in India less than 182 days in the preceding 12- month period. Abhishek Gautum, under secretary of Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance has clarified that "Foreign citizens and individuals above the age of 80 years at any time during the previous year are also exempt from this requirement." TATA to Jointly make F-16s with Lockheed Martin under “Make In India” AMandeep

Indian-American Self-Made Billionaire In Chicago - Rishi Shah June 16, 2017 14:14

Rishi Shah, an Indian-American, who stepped out of college 10 years back to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, has become the self-made billionaire in Chicago. And also Shah’s business partner, Shradha Agarwal, is just close behind. A break came to them with $600 million infusion of the venture capital into Outcome Health, the Chicago health care tech company, which they founded in the year 2006. The company is now valued at $5.6 billion. Shah grew up in Chicago suburb of the Oak Brook, and is the son of a doctor who emigrated from India, Shah’s mother managed his father's medical practice. The first idea inspired for the Outcome Health in providing content to the doctor's offices, Shah said in an interview to the local media. Shah studied in the Northwestern University as a transfer student, where he met Shradha Agarwal, who is presently the president of Outcome Health. While working on the campus magazine, both of them have eventually found a company called ContextMedia, out of Northwestern in the year 2008, funding the company from loans which have over the years reached the aggregate of $325 million instead of giving up the equity. Knocking on the doctor's office doors around the Chicago area, they have found a little hope in their idea.Some doctors have not seen the value in digital education in their offices, and others who did wanted to see the revenue to feel comfortable committing to such a fledgling product. However, without signing to them, the entrepreneurs had no revenue with which to placate them. They earned the revenue of $1 million in that first year. CEO Rishi Shah, aged 31, president of Shradha Agarwal have founded ContextMedia in the year 2006, while two were at the Northwestern University. The company has began to sell its video monitor services to the physicians and hospitals without any kind of outside investment. Over a decade, the company grew up and the big-time investors have noticed the company, but Shah and Agarwal passed up the offers in order to scale organically and also to retain the ownership. In the month of January, the company has changed its name to Outcome Health as it slowly stepped towards the first major round of funding. As per Crain's, the company took more than $130 million in revenue in the last year and also posted an operating profit margin of roughly 40%. Outcome Health has doubled its revenue during each of the last two years, and it has also grew with its acquisition of AccentHealth in the last November. Indian-American Appointed As Judge Of US Court of Appeals Mrudula Duddempudi.

New Portal to help women abandoned by NRI husbands June 15, 2017 18:30

The government of India is planning to set up a single window portal for those Indian women, who are facing abandonment or divorce or other such problems from their Non-Resident Indian (NRI) husbands. Currently, ministries such as Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and women and child development handle different aspects of such cases. A spokesperson for MEA said that the “plan is to coordinate efforts in a centralized manner.” The decision was taken by an inter-ministerial panel at a meeting last week. The new web portal will have advice on how to proceed with a case, including approaching the Indian mission, seeking the help of empanelled lawyers and NGOs. The website will also have instruction and precautions to follow before marrying an NRI. At present, measures include legal and financial aid of $3,000 in developed countries and $2,000 in developing ones to assist women who face abandonment or divorce proceedings within 15 years of marriage. But what has been lacking is a single point for redressal. The Indian government had set up an inter-ministerial committee in July 2016, following mounting complaints to look at measures to help such women. The panel is now revising the standard operating procedures for dealing with all such cases. According to the annual report, in 2014, the National Commission for Women, which is an autonomous section under the WCD ministry and runs an NRI Cells, registered 346 complaints from women married to NRI men. However, these current figures do not reflect the true image as most of the women does not come forward to lodge a complaint. The complaints are mostly regarding husbands keeping custody of their wives’ passports and not allowing them to travel, disappearing after leaving their wives behind in India, abandoning wives in foreign countries, forcibly keeping the child abroad and not letting the wife contact the child, etc. In 2007, the then Overseas Indian Affairs ministry came up with a handbook on NRI marriages. One of the reasons that had triggered this was the rising number of abandoned spouses of NRI women — over 13,000 in Gujarat and more than 25,000 in Punjab. Back in 2009, Girija Vyas, the then NCW chairperson had commented that “out of 10 NRI marriages, two resulted in the wife being abandoned after honeymoon”. NRI quota goes Vacant in private colleges AMandeep