US

US Reduces H-1B Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility from 48 to 12 Months for Indians

US Reduces H-1B Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility from 48 to 12 Months for Indians

Washington DC (National Times): The United States has revised its eligibility criteria for the Visa Interview Waiver, commonly known as the Dropbox program, for Indian applicants. The eligibility window has been reduced from 48 months to just 12 months, meaning only those whose visas expired within the past year will now qualify for Dropbox processing. What is the Dropbox Program? The Dropbox program allows eligible visa applicants to renew their visas without attending an in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This streamlined process has been particularly beneficial for H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visa holders, reducing processing…
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Two More Deportation Flights Carrying Indians to Arrive in Amritsar This Week

Two More Deportation Flights Carrying Indians to Arrive in Amritsar This Week

Washington DC (National Times): Two additional flights carrying deported Indian immigrants from the United States are set to land in India this week, following the recent deportation of 104 individuals under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. While the exact number of Indians on these upcoming flights remains unclear, sources indicate that the first of the two flights will arrive in Amritsar on February 15, with another expected in the following days. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema has criticized the decision to land these deportation flights in Amritsar, alleging that the NDA-led central government is deliberately attempting to defame Punjab. "Why…
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PM Modi Addresses Deportation of Illegal Indian Immigrants from US, Calls for Crackdown on Human Trafficking

PM Modi Addresses Deportation of Illegal Indian Immigrants from US, Calls for Crackdown on Human Trafficking

Washington DC (National Times): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Feb 13) addressed the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the United States, emphasizing that individuals residing unlawfully in foreign countries "do not have any legal right to be there." His remarks came during a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump amid growing concerns in India over visuals of shackled Indian citizens being deported. During his US visit, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to taking back its citizens who are verified and found to be residing in the US illegally. "As far as India and the US are concerned,…
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487 Indians in the US Face Deportation Orders: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

487 Indians in the US Face Deportation Orders: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

New Delhi (National Times): India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, announced on Friday that the United States has informed India about 487 individuals identified as Indian nationals who have received removal orders. These individuals are reportedly at risk of deportation from the US. During a press briefing, Misri stated that the Indian government is actively engaging with the Trump administration to ensure the safe return of those identified as illegal immigrants. He emphasized that the Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with US officials to address the concerns surrounding these individuals. Regarding the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants,…
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US Spends Over $1 Million to Deport 104 Indians Using Military Aircraft

US Spends Over $1 Million to Deport 104 Indians Using Military Aircraft

The Trump administration has initiated the use of military aircraft to reinforce its commitment to deporting undocumented immigrants. A recent deportation operation to India reportedly cost around $1 million (approximately Rs. 8.74 crore). Reports indicate that military flights can be more than three times as expensive as civilian flights. On Wednesday, a US Air Force cargo plane arrived in Amritsar, transporting 104 Indian citizens who had entered the United States illegally, according to a statement from the US government.
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US State Department: Human Traffickers are the Main Beneficiaries of Mass Migration

US State Department: Human Traffickers are the Main Beneficiaries of Mass Migration

Washington (National Times): In the wake of recent deportations of Indian nationals from the United States, the US State Department has highlighted that human traffickers are the primary beneficiaries of mass migration. They reiterated the Trump administration's dedication to halting illegal migration while prioritizing the security of national borders and citizens. In a post on X, the State Department stated, "Many individuals seeking mass migration are often victimized during their journey. This situation benefits no one except traffickers." The post continued, "The Trump Administration is committed to stopping illegal migration and safeguarding our borders and citizens." Recently, a US Air…
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