Indian Man Gets 30-Month Jail In US For Customs Duty Evasion January 24, 2025 15:07
An Indian man who ran a jewelry company in New York was sentenced to 30 months in prison for importing more than $13.5 million worth of jewelry and illegally processing $10.3 million in an illegal money transfer operation . . U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna pleaded guilty before Monish Kumar Kiran Kumar Doshi Shah (40) of Mumbai, New Jersey, and U.S. District Judge Estelle Salas of Jersey City, New Jersey, saying he charged him with conspiracy and Operation. Fraud and facilitation of the operation of unlicensed money transfer companies. In addition to the prison sentence, the judge ordered the restitution of $742,500 for the wire fraud and the forfeiture of $11,126,982.33 for the wire fraud and unauthorized fund transfers. The court also ordered two years of supervised release. According to court documents, from December 2019 to approximately April 2022, Shah engaged in a scheme to evade obligations to ship jewelry from Turkey and India to the United States. He instructs and/or directs conspirators to ship goods from Turkey and India. It will be one of its businesses in South Korea, although shipping directly to the U.S. will incur tariffs of about 5.5%. The Korean conspirators changed the labels on the jewelry to indicate that they came from South Korea rather than Turkey or India and sent them to Shah or his customers in the United States, federal prosecutors later said. Create fake packaging to make them look like its Korean The company actually orders the jewelry from Turkey or India. He also ordered an outside shipping company to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection with false information about the jewelry's origins. During the specified period, Shah shipped approximately $13.5 million worth of jewelry from South Korea to the United States without paying the appropriate deposits. Additionally, from July 2020 to November 2021, Shah operated multiple jewelry businesses in New York's diamond district and used these businesses to illegally collect more than $10.3 million for his customers. Shah also collected cash from customers and used other private jewelry companies to convert cash into wire transfers and cheques.
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USA H-1B Visa Overhaul From January 17th January 17, 2025 10:06
The United States is making major changes to its H-1B visa program on Friday, January 17th. The updated rules allow highly skilled workers to remain in the United States based on their employment status, one of the latest immigration policy reforms. The administration of outgoing President Joe Biden. The H-1B visa program, which has been instrumental in attracting talent from around the world, is undergoing several updates to modernize its structure and address ongoing challenges. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on its website: “The H-1B final rule modernizes the H-1B program and its oversight, as more than 70 percent of H-1B visas are issued to Indian skilled workers. In 2023, owners will benefit significantly from these changes. Key Changes To H-1B Visa Rules: Definition of “Profession”: The new regulations update the definition of “profession” by revising the criteria for eligible positions. This clarifies that degree requirements are typically and not “always” required and allows for a broader range of qualifications where they are directly related to the job. Fairer lottery process: Stricter measures prevent organizations from submitting multiple bulk applications and ensure a fairer system. Smooth Transition for F-1 Visa Holders: Students with an F-1 visa will experience fewer challenges transitioning to H-1B status. Faster Processing: USCIS will expedite H-1B supplemental petitions to reduce delays for employees and employers. Greater Flexibility for Employers: Companies can hire H-1B workers based on their specific workforce needs and support dynamic workforce planning. Opportunities for Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs who own a controlling interest in a company can now apply for an H-1B visa if they meet stricter requirements. Enhanced Compliance Protections: USCIS' expanded on-site visitation powers, including inspections at workplaces, remote locations, and third-party sites, are designed to prevent abuse. Failure to verify the information during the inspection may result in rejection or cancellation of your H-1B application. New Petition Form: To improve compliance, a new, updated Form I-129 will be required effective January 17, 2025. This form is intended to simplify the petition process. Expanded criteria for exemption from the cap: Research-oriented organizations are now eligible for exemption from the cap based on clearer definitions that replace the previous vague guidelines. Additionally, a big change is on the horizon: H-1B visa holders will soon be able to extend their visa without having to return to their home country. This is likely to help Indian engineers holding H-1B visas in the US. Will H-1B Visa Policies Shift Under Donald Trump's Administration? While some factions of the Republican Party favor stricter immigration controls, including limited programs like H-1B, US President-elect Donald Trump has recently expressed support for high-skilled immigration. “I have multiple H-1B visas for my property. I believe in H-1B. I used it many times. It's a great plan,” Trump told the New York Times in December 2024. Earlier, during his first term as president, Trump limited access to foreign work visas and criticized the program.
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18,000 Indians at risk of being deported from USA December 14, 2024 14:59
President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month, and his administration is already ramping up efforts to tighten immigration policies. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has released data showing that 18,000 undocumented Indians are among the 1.45 million people deported from the United States. "Deporting undocumented immigrants is at the heart of Trump's border security agenda," ICE said. According to data released by ICE in November 2024, there are 17,940 Indians on the agency's detainer list. This includes people who are not in ICE custody but have received a final deportation order. Many undocumented Indians find themselves in a complicated and lengthy legal process, with some having to wait up to three years for their cases to be heard. The report notes that India is one of the 15 countries found to be "uncooperative" in the extradition process and is currently seeking appropriate action. “Conducting interviews, issuing travel documents in a timely manner, and physically repatriating its citizens on scheduled or charter flights in accordance with ICE and/or foreign government deportation policies,” the ICE document states. In the past three years, an average of 90,000 Indians were arrested at the US border for trying to enter the country illegally. Experts note that the lion's share of migrants come from Indian states such as Punjab, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. The ICE report highlights that the majority of illegal immigrants coming to the United States come from countries close to the United States' borders. Honduras ranks first with 261,000 undocumented people, followed by Guatemala with 253,000. In Asia, China leads with 37,908 illegal migrants, while India ranks 13th with 17,940.
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US Universities Warn Foreign Students Amid Trump's Immigration Plans Fears November 30, 2024 10:57
Universities across the United States sent emails to international students and staff advising them to return to campus by January 2025, when President-elect Donald Trump begins his second term in the White House. The email comes amid growing concern over President Trump's mass deportation plan, which could affect thousands of international students, the BBC reported. With more than 400,000 undocumented students enrolled in college in the United States, all international students feel unsafe, the report quoted a University of Colorado professor as saying. The University of Massachusetts issued a travel advisory for international students and faculty in November, urging them to urgently consider returning to campus from winter break before Trump's presidency begins next January. The Office of International Affairs is including this recommendation out of an abundance of caution since it was adopted in 2016 during the first Trump administration. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Wesleyan University also issued travel warnings and urged students, faculty and staff to return to the United States by Inauguration Day. At Yale University, the Office of International Students and Scholars hosted a webinar this month to address student concerns about possible immigration policy changes. This also includes foreign students who are protected by the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) policy. In 2017, President Trump signed an executive order at the White House banning citizens of several Muslim countries, North Korea and Venezuela from visiting the United States. He also proposed restrictions on student visas during his first term as president. President Trump is using all available resources to step up efforts in his first term to pressure so-called “sanctuaries” to cooperate with the U.S. government in deporting record numbers of immigrants. The entire agency is expected to be mobilized, Reuters reported, citing statements from six former presidents. This was announced by government representatives and coalition representatives. Trump supporters, including those who may serve in his second administration, expect the Republican president-elect to call on everyone from the US military to foreign ambassadors to follow through on his campaign promise to end mass deportations. Efforts include working with Republican-led states and using federal resources to confront rival jurisdictions. Immigration advocates warn that Trump's deportation initiative will be costly, divisive and inhumane, separating families and destroying communities, Reuters reports. According to the BBC, representatives of the new Trump administration have proposed creating more comprehensive detention facilities for illegal immigrants on deportation lists. His new Border Patrol chief, Tom Homan, said the priority will be removing violent criminals and national security threats from the country. However, this did not alleviate higher education concerns.
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India Overtakes China In International Student Enrollment November 18, 2024 14:54
India has surpassed China as the top source of international students in the United States, with over 330,000 Indian students enrolling in US higher education institutions in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 23% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by a 19% rise in graduate student enrollments, which reached 196,567 students. Additionally, the number of Indian students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) programmes after graduation increased by 41%, reaching a total of 97,556. US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed his excitement over this achievement, emphasizing the importance of international education in building future leaders and strengthening the bonds between nations. According to the report, Chinese students continue to be the largest international group pursuing education in the United States, with a total of 277,398 enrollments. Overall, the US hosted a record 1.1 million international students in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. The report also noted significant growth in graduate program enrollment (over 500,000 students) and participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) initiatives (over 242,000 students). Additionally, the number of American students studying in India has seen a substantial rise, increasing from 336 in 2021/22 to 1,355 in 2022/23, a growth of 303.3%. International students in the US have a diverse range of academic majors, with the majority (56%) enrolled in STEM fields, particularly math, computer science, and engineering. Other popular fields include business and management, physical and life sciences, social sciences, and fine and applied arts.
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The Rising Cost Of Foreign Education November 16, 2024 07:34
The USA is one of the most popular destinations among students who want to study abroad. Every year, the country attracts a large number of international students from all over the world. The cost of training here depends on the type and program of the university. Universities are divided into private and public/public institutions. Tuition fees at public universities are relatively lower than at private institutions. Tuition fees for international students in the United States range from $25,000 to $55,000 per year. The average cost of tuition and fees in the United States has reportedly increased in recent years. In 2018-2019, the average cost for public public universities ranged from $9,716 to $35,676 for private schools. Fees for humanities, education and arts courses are very low compared to subjects like medicine, engineering and business administration. The cost of studying in the UK has also risen over the years. Students in EU and UK will have to pay Rs 9250 or almost Rs 927485 per year. Tuition fees for international students start at Rs 10,000 or Rs 10,02,598 and go up to Rs 38,000 or Rs 38,10,205 for specialized degrees in medicine and other fields. Compared to the US and other countries, students choosing the UK can save significantly on living costs, and most UK universities offer shorter courses. A typical bachelor's degree takes three years instead of four, and a master's degree takes one year instead of two.
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Thailand Announces Indefinite Visa-Free Entry for Indians November 05, 2024 15:12
Good news for Indian travelers! Thailand has announced that it will indefinitely extend its visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals, which was originally scheduled to expire on November 11, 2024. The policy allows Indian travelers to stay in Thailand visa-free for a maximum of 60 days. You can also extend it for another 30 days at your local immigration office. The policy aims to improve accessibility for Indian tourists and enable them to explore Thailand's enchanting sights and cultural heritage without a visa. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed the decision and officials at the Royal Thai Embassy in Delhi Nu said the indefinite extension would have a positive impact on Thai tourism and ease of travel for Indian tourists and shared their enthusiasm for the indefinite extension. Visa-free travel has many advantages as it simplifies travel preparations and stimulates the economy of the destination country. The main advantages are: Increase in tourism revenue: An increase in the number of tourists means an increase in demand for accommodation, restaurants, tours and transportation services, resulting in growth in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Job Creation: As visitor numbers increase, so do employment opportunities, supporting local businesses and benefiting communities across Thailand. Discover the wonders of Thailand: Thailand is a special travel destination with a unique combination of culture, natural beauty and adventure. Begin your journey in the dynamic capital of Bangkok, known for its grand palace and beautiful temples such as Wat Arun, which stand majestically against the city skyline. For a more relaxed experience, head north to Chiang Mai. The city has peaceful temples and access to green mountain areas for hiking. You can also visit the famous floating markets in the suburbs of Bangkok. Lively food stalls line the canals, offering a unique shopping experience. With great food, warm locals, and affordable options, Thailand is a dream destination for travelers. From beautiful beaches and ancient temples to vibrant cities, Thailand promises unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers.
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Canada Slashes Immigrant Intake Amid Public Worry October 25, 2024 06:27
Canada has announced a significant reduction in its immigration targets, a major shift for a country known for its welcoming approach to immigrants, including economic migrants seeking better opportunities. The country's population saw a substantial 3.2% increase from 2023 to 2024, the highest annual rise since 1957, now reaching 41 million. This surge was largely driven by an unprecedented wave of new arrivals. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that while the influx helped boost the Canadian economy's recovery from the Covid-19 disruptions, the time has come to make "adjustments." Trudeau said Canada needs to stabilize its population growth to allow the government to catch up and make necessary investments in healthcare, housing, and social services to accommodate future population growth. The government plans to reduce the number of new permanent residents allowed to settle in Canada in the coming years, from 500,000 in 2025-2026 to 395,000 in 2025 and 380,000 in 2026. The target for 2027 is set at 365,000. The Immigration Minister called this a unique plan to control population growth in Canada. According to the 2021 census, 23% of the population was born abroad, with increasing numbers coming from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. A recent survey found that a majority of Canadians believe there is too much immigration, a significant increase from 2023. Additionally, half of Canadians say immigration is harming the country. Immigration is primarily associated with concerns about a perceived shortage of critical resources, particularly affordable housing. Miller specifically emphasized the new plan's efforts to address what many Canadians describe as a housing crisis. He anticipated that reducing immigration targets would address the housing supply gap, leading to a decrease of 670,000 in the number of homes Canada needs to construct by 2027.
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Indian man jailed in Singapore for a Mistaken Transaction October 16, 2024 15:06
A Singaporean court has sentenced a 47-year-old Indian citizen to nine weeks in prison for using money he mistakenly received in his bank account to pay off debts and sending some of the money to his family in India. PTI reported. It was reported. The man, identified as Periyasamy Mathiyazhagan, worked for a plumbing and engineering company from 2021 to 2022. On April 6, 2023, the company director deposited S$25,000 (approximately Rs. 1.6 million) into the man's bank account based on the following assumptions: It was a company account. Public Prosecutor (SPO) Lim Yeo Leong said the manager intended to repay the personal loan taken by the company. “After the incorrect transfer, the complainant was informed by the (managing director) on the same day that the account did not belong to the company and the company had not received the money,” the SPO said. The manager then informed the male bank about the incorrect transfer and asked them to cooperate in recovering the money. On April 10, 2023, the bank sent a letter to the man's address explaining the transfer and asking him to repay the money. However, the letter was delivered to the company itself as the man's last address on file with the bank was that of the company. When the letter was not delivered to the man's address, the bank informed management that his request to recover the money had failed. He then filed a police report on May 23, 2023. The police investigation revealed that the man recognized that a large amount of money had been deposited into his account in early May 2023. The SPO informed the district court that the criminals were aware that the large amount of money did not belong to them and had been wrongly transferred. Nevertheless, on May 21 and 22, he transferred the entire amount to another bank account in four installments. Later that month, company employees learned that the company itself had received a letter from a bank asking the man to send money. After that, the company called me and asked me to pay back the money, but I replied that I used all the money to pay off the debt. During police interrogation, the suspect also revealed that he had sent some of the money to his family in India and asked for time to return the money in exchange for a monthly payment of S$1,500. However, The Straits Times reported that the money has not been recovered to date.
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India summons Canadian diplomat after Ottawa's move October 15, 2024 12:26
The Indian government summoned a Canadian diplomat shortly after rejecting Ottawa's claim that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats were 'persons of interest' in the investigation into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly denied these allegations, accusing the Trudeau government of engaging in vote-bank politics and not doing enough to address separatist elements within Canada. The Indian government stated that the Canadian government had not provided any evidence of India's involvement in Nijjar's killing, despite repeated requests. The Canadian government has not provided any proof to the Indian government, despite many requests, regarding the allegations made by Prime Minister Trudeau in September 2023. This latest action follows a pattern of making claims without any supporting evidence. This strongly suggests that the investigation is being used as a pretext to intentionally damage India's reputation for political gains. The relationship between India and Canada deteriorated in September last year when Prime Minister Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. New Delhi dismissed these charges as "motivated and absurd".
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Canada To Implement Revised Work Permit for PG Courses October 08, 2024 13:57
Canada will introduce a revised graduate work permit program starting November 1, 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has modified the Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) program. Changes have been made to the language requirements, language certificate and PGWP training requirements. On September 19, the Government of Canada announced that it will further reduce the entry limit for students with international study permits until 2025. The government has announced that they will reduce the number of study permits by 10 percent by 2025, compared to the 2024 target of 485,000. After processing the revised work permit, applicants must demonstrate their language skills to meet the language requirements of the PGWP. The Canadian Language Tests (CLB) English test and the Ebenex de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) French test. According to the release, IRCC accepts Canadian English Language Proficiency Project (CELPIP), IELTS and PTE Core English scores. TEF Canada: Test d'évaluation de français and TCF Canada: Test de Connaissance du français accepted in French. The candidate must have reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Apart from the revised norms, candidates have to follow some old norms as well. For example, to be eligible for the PGWP, an applicant must still meet general and physical residency requirements (even after November 1, 2024) and be enrolled in a program of study at a PGWP-eligible institution.
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Indian Origin Ex-Minister In Singapore Gets One Year Jail October 03, 2024 09:55
The former Singaporean transport minister of Indian descent, S Iswaran, was sentenced to one year in jail after pleading guilty to five charges related to corruption and obstructing justice in the High Court on September 24. The sentence was higher than the six to seven months requested by the prosecution, which the judge, Justice Hoong, considered "manifestly inadequate". The judge stated that the higher the public office held by the offender, the greater their level of responsibility. Iswaran is the first person to be prosecuted under Section 165 in post-independent Singapore, as reported by The Straits Times. The judge acknowledged the mitigating factors presented by the defense, including Iswaran's public service to Singapore, his voluntary repayment of benefits, and his early guilty plea. However, the judge also noted that the additional 30 charges taken into consideration were similar to the proceeded charges, where Iswaran received gifts, indicating the scale and repetition of his offenses over a significant period. The judge considered this a factor that increased Iswaran's culpability, while his public service and contributions to Singapore were seen as neutral factors at most. Based on the defendant's public statements denying the charges, the judge believed Iswaran was regretful. However, the judge stated he could not agree with the defense's arguments. The accused is only eligible for a maximum reduction of 10% in their sentence.
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