FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 1 INDIA THIS WEEK A Weekly Newspaper Featuring News and Trends from the Indian Sub-Continent Published From the US Capital Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 36 No. 35 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday August 28, 2026 US proposes additional $ 103,265 fee for H-1B cap-subject visa petitions Washington DC [US], August 25 (ANI): The US has proposed an additional USD 103,265 fee for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, according to an official press release issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to the release, issued on Monday (local time), the proposed fee would be paid at the time of filing and imposed on top of all other applicable fees or payments. DHS estimates the fee would generate approximately USD 8.8 billion annually, based on a projected 85,000 H-1B cap-subject petitions.” The proposed H-1B fee is intended to recover the costs incurred across the federal government to adjudicate, vet, and support lawful immigration programs that otherwise must be funded by taxpayers,” said US Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson Zach Kahler. DHS said the revenue would help recover federal government costs related to “adjudication of immigration benefits, fraud detection and nation- al security vetting, systems modernization, records and fee collection operations, immigration court operations, consular visa processing, labor standards enforcement, and interagency coordination.” As per the release, the additional fee would not apply to H-1B petitions that are not subject to the cap, including petitions filed by certain nonprofit research organisations, government research organisations and institutions of higher education.The move follows a federal judge’s decision in June to strike down the Trump administration’s previously proposed USD 100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, The Hill reported. US District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled that it was unlawful to implement a tax on visa applications, saying Congress has the authority to set immigration policy and taxes.The earlier proposal applied to universities, hospitals and research-based institutions, which would not be affected by the newly proposed DHS fee.The annual statutory limit for new H-1B visas is 85,000, comprising 65,000 regular-cap visas and 20,000 for applicants holding a master’s degree or higher from a US institution of higher education. Of the 65,000 regular-cap visas, 6,800 are reserved for nationals of Chile and Singapore.H-1B visas allow US companies to hire foreign workers in specialised, high-skilled occupations and are particularly important to the technology industry. As the Hill reported, companies and tech workers will have 30 days to comment on the proposed rule once it is published in the Federal Register, which officials said is expected Tuesday (local time). (ANI) US pauses visa appointments worldwide amid Trump’s immigration crackdown: Report Washington, DC [US], August 26 (ANI): The US has paused visa appointments for applicants worldwide as President Donald Trump steps up his immigration crackdown during his second term in the White House, Reuters reported on Tuesday (local time).A US State Department spokesperson stated that the department had launched a global training initiative across all US embassies and consulates worldwide, adding that visa service appointments will be adjusted to accommodate the training, according to the report.Meanwhile, ap- plicants with interviews already scheduled were emailed that their appointments had been cancelled and that they would be informed of a new date and time, The Financial Times reported. The State Department has not provided a timeline for when the interviews will resume or when fresh appointment dates will be issued, FT reported.The department noted that the training initiative was launched this month across US diplomatic missions globally to strengthen the manner in which officers assess visa applications.”A more pros- perous America means ensuring that visa applicants are not likely to become a public charge, as defined under US law and regulation, and not likely to become dependent on US public benefits reserved for qualified Americans in need,” a State Department spokesperson told the Fi- nancial Times.The spokesperson added that the department had launched “a global training initiative” to “ensure all consular officers are fully equipped to evaluate every visa applicant comprehensively and US VISA APPOINTMENTS SEE PAGE 6
INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 California Assembly Recognizes Diwali Day, Expresses ‘Deepest Respect’ for Indian-Americans By Geeta Goindi The California State Assembly has adopted a resolution recognizing Diwali on November 8, 2026, paying tribute to the cultural and spiritual significance of the Festival of Lights, and expressing its “deepest respect” for the Indian-American community in California and the broader Indian diaspora worldwide. House Resolution 137 (HR 137), introduced by Assembly Members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra, recognizes Diwali as a festival of great significance to Indian-Americans and South Asian Americans and encourages Californians to take part in this year’s celebrations. The measure notes that the festival is observed annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains throughout the United States and across the globe. Within a week of its introduction on August 13, the resolution won unanimous approval from the Assembly Rules Committee and advanced to the floor on August 20. Patel explained that lawmakers were recognizing Diwali ahead of the festival because the Legislature will be out of session when it is celebrated in November. “Diwali may not be until November, but with the Legislature out of session during the festival, we’re marking the occasion a little early,” she wrote on Instagram. “I was proud to present our Diwali resolution on the Assembly Floor, recognizing the Festival of Lights and the traditions of hope, renewal, and community at its heart,” Patel said. “Bringing this resolution forward now ensures this important cultural tradition has its moment on the California State Assembly lawmakers wear traditional Indian attire as they celebrate the adoption of House Resolution 137, officially recognizing November 8, 2026, as Diwali Day. Assembly Floor before the legislative session comes to a close.” Describing Diwali, or Deepavali, as meaning “a row of lamps,” the resolution states that the centuries-old festival brings families, friends and communities together in a celebration of generosity, unity, joy and appreciation, as well as a time for reflection. Homes are traditionally lit with candles, oil lanterns and clay lamps, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The measure also highlights broader themes associated with Diwali, including the triumph of good over evil, overcoming struggles, embracing positivity and humility, and maintaining kindness in the face of personal challenges. “Diwali is a time to commit to knowledge, growth, and happiness; it is a time to reflect, signifying the importance of wisdom, kindness, and transforma- Immigration Lawyer Law Office of Ryan Morgan Knight Email or call for free consultation ryan@immigrationknight.com 1 (888) 735-0560 Ryan Knight Licensed to practice immigration law Nationwide; Licensed to practice art law in Maryland tion,” the resolution states. For many celebrants, the festival also marks the beginning of the New Year. The measure details traditions associated with Diwali, including cleaning and decorating homes, creating colorful rangolis, sharing meals, and gathering for music, dance and community celebrations. It notes these traditions help foster a deep sense of community while celebrating values including truth, justice, duty and family. The resolution builds on California’s formal recognition of Diwali in state law. In 2025, the state enacted Assembly Bill 268, authored by Kalra, adding Diwali — observed on the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar — to California’s list of official state holidays. HR 137 specifically acknowledges that milestone, stating that California designated Diwali as an official state holiday “to formally recognize the cultural significance of Diwali for all Californians who celebrate, embracing the diversity that enriches our state.” The recognition comes as California’s Indian-American community continues to play an in- creasingly prominent role in the state’s civic, economic and cultural life. With HR 137, lawmakers placed this year’s Diwali observance formally on the Assembly record while encouraging Californians across the state to participate in the Festival of Lights. Patel extended her greetings to all those celebrating, wishing them “a joyful and bright Festival of Lights this fall.” Rohru (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 26 (ANI): The bodies of two 16-year-old students who drowned while swimming in the Pabbar River in Himachal Pradesh’s Rohru subdivision have been recovered following a joint search and rescue operation involving local residents, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police and the local administration, officials said on Wednesday. The deceased have been identified as Shiven Roshan, 16, son of Shishu Pal and a resident of Karasa, and Saksham, 16, son of Rajdev and a resident of Banoti. According to Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Civil), Rohru, Dharmesh Ramautra, the two students had gone to the Pabbar River to swim when they ventured into deep water and drowned. Soon after information about the incident was received, teams from the local administration and police reached the spot and launched a rescue operation. The NDRF was also alerted and subsequently joined the search and recovery efforts. During the operation, Mangta Ram Dogra, a resident of Kotdu (Karasa), recovered the body of one of the students from the Pabbar River. The body of the second student was subsequently recovered from the river with the assistance of the NDRF team, the SDM said.The administration has provided immediate financial relief to the families of both deceased students as per the applicable rules, the official said. SDM Ramautra said the administration would extend all possible assistance and support to the bereaved families. The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over the Rohru area, with the deaths of the two young students leaving their families and the local community deeply saddened. The administration has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them of continued support. (ANI) Two students drown in Himachal’s Pabbar River, bodies recovered; families given immediate relief
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 Caste Census Questionnaire Sparks Political Showdown: Congress Demands Revision, BJP Cites ‘Panic’ in Opposition Ranks New Delhi [India], August 25 (ANI): The political row over the national caste census intensified after Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi wrote a joint letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking withdrawal of the current questionnaire. The Opposition has flagged that the questionnaire notified on August 14 uses open-ended caste entries instead of a precompiled list, which it says could distort demographic data. The BJP has dismissed the charge as “panic” in the Opposition ranks. In their letter, the Congress leaders said the open-ended format for caste entries, instead of a structured menu, risks compromising data accuracy. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted that open-ended fields could result in identical castes being recorded under varying regional spellings, subcaste names or local terminology. This could scatter the data across thousands of fragmented entries, ultimately undercounting Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and disadvantaged groups. “Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and I have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji expressing serious concern over the current process of caste census. It is not possible to accurately count castes through open-ended questions. If the same caste is recorded under different names and subcastes, the data will be scattered, and the biggest loss will be to OBCs, most backward and deprived communities,” Kharge wrote on X. They demanded that the current form be replaced with a preverified dropdown list of castes, similar to the state-level methodologies used in Bihar and Telangana. “Our demand is clear – the current questionnaire should be canceled, a new questionnaire should be prepared based on a verified list of castes, and extensive consultation should be done with political parties, experts and the public. Like the caste surveys in Telangana and Bihar, conducting the count based on a preprepared and verified caste list is a practical solution. The caste census should not only be done, it should also be done correctly,” Kharge said. Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal, criticized the process as a “deception” and noted that the form omits explicit options or terms for backward classes. They called for all-party consultations to restructure the exercise. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also termed the proposed exercise a “deception,” arguing that it would not constitute a comprehensive caste census because the questionnaire notified on August 14 contains only one caste-related question among 40 questions. He demanded that the exercise be scrapped and conducted along the lines of the caste surveys carried out in Bihar and Telangana. Congress MP KC Venugopal also criticized the proposed questionnaire, saying that an open-ended caste question could undermine the exercise. “An open-ended question on caste means that the Caste Census is set up to fail. The current census questionnaire does not even have the word ‘backward’ or ‘OBC’ for the enumerators to select. Without a list of options for castes, as was done in Telangana and Bihar, a caste census is meaningless,” Venugopal wrote on X. He alleged that the approach reflected the BJP’s “insincerity toward social justice” and urged the prime minister to make changes to the questionnaire. The BJP, however, hit back at the Congress over its criticism. The BJP countered the demands, maintaining that the decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census reflects the Modi administration’s commitment to social justice. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya stated that the Congress failed to conduct a caste census during its decades in power and argued that its current reaction stems from “panic and consternation” as the Modi government prepares to carry out the count. “The Congress remained in power for such a long time but never conducted a caste census; now, the government led by PM Modi is going to conduct a caste census for the first time. This has caused panic and consternation among the Congress and its allied parties, because under the leadership of PM Modi, everyone is receiving support, development, justice and due recognition,” Maurya said. UP Minister Sunil Sharma criticized Rahul Gandhi for raising procedural objections while keeping his own background private. He said, “Rahul Gandhi has never disclosed his own caste to this day, so how would it work? PM Modi is getting it done, but Rahul Gandhi has not revealed what his caste is.” Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar dismissed the Opposition’s claims as mere political rhetoric ahead of upcoming state assembly contests. “Do not worry about Rahul Gandhi or Akhilesh Yadav; rest assured, the Yogi Adityanath government will be formed again in 2027; there is no disturbance. Let Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav speak; since they are in the Opposition, let them have their say,” Rajbhar said. The Opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc, has been demanding a national caste census, arguing that comprehensive caste data is necessary to assess the demographic composition of OBCs and other socially disadvantaged communities and to inform reservations and welfare policies. The Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census has brought the issue back into the political spotlight. However, the Opposition has raised concerns over the use of an open-ended format, arguing that it could result in variations in caste names, spelling differences and duplicate entries. Bihar and Telangana have previously undertaken state-level caste and socioeconomic surveys using structured methodologies. The surveys relied on predefined lists of recognized castes and standardized coding systems rather than unrestricted text-based entries, with enumerators collecting demographic and socioeconomic information at the household level. The Congress is now seeking a similar structured approach for the national exercise, while the BJP maintains that the Centre’s decision to conduct caste enumeration represents a significant step toward addressing social and developmental concerns. (ANI) New Delhi [India], August 26 (ANI): India and the United States deliberated on avenues to broaden cooperation in the Indian Ocean region during a phone call between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Under Secretary of State Allison M Hooker, focusing on maritime security, strategic infrastructure, and connectivity. Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that both sides explored opportunities for practical cooperation and greater complementarity across the region. ”Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri held a productive call with US Under Secretary of State Allison M Hooker to advance discussions on the India-US Indian Ocean Strategic Venture (IOSV) initiative, launched by the leaders of the two countries in February 2025,” Jaiswal wrote on X. The MEA spokesperson noted that the deliberations encompassed sectors where New Delhi and Washington could collaborate, while keeping in view the priorities of partner nations in the Indian Ocean region. ”Both sides discussed opportunities for practical cooperation and complementarity in the Indian Ocean Region, including maritime security, strategic infrastructure and connectivity, in line with the priorities of partner countries,” he said. The Indian Ocean Strategic Venture (IOSV) is a bilateral initi established by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump following high-level talks in Washington DC in Feb- ruary last year, aimed at enhancing practical cooperation across the Indian Ocean region. The mechanism focuses on key domains including maritime security, strategic infrastructure, connectivity, investment, and commerce, with both nations seeking enhanced coordination while aligning with the priorities of regional partner states. The initiative aligns with the overarching India-US endeavour to bolster connectivity and security throughout the Indian Ocean. Both sides have laid emphasis on collaboration regarding undersea cable networks, highlighting New Delhi’s involvement in the maintenance, repair, and financing of cables via trusted vendors, while also ear- marking potential partnerships spanning the Western Indian Ocean, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific across defence, technology, energy, and critical minerals. (ANI) India and US discuss Indian Ocean Strategic Venture, deepen bilateral dialogue on vast region
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INDIA THIS WEEK Delhi Govt launches ‘Delhi Lakshmi Yojna’ with Rs 2,500 monthly aid for women New Delhi [India], August 26 (ANI): The Delhi Government on Wednesday launched the ‘Delhi Lakshmi Yojna’, a historic initiative aimed at making women in the capital economically empowered, self-reliant and financially secure, an official release said. At an event held at Talkatora Stadium, Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi MPs, government ministers, public representatives and other dignitaries formally launched the scheme. Dedicated to women’s economic empowerment, financial security and self-reliance, the scheme has so far issued sanction letters to 4,190 eligible beneficiaries following the prescribed eligibility and verification process.Under the scheme, eligible women will receive monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 directly into their bank ac- counts through DBT from September 1. The women will be free to use the amount as they choose for their needs and various family-related expenses. During the programme, the guests symbolically handed over sanction letters to 65 selected beneficiary women. The letters marked the government’s commitment, on the occasion of the launch of the Delhi Lakshmi Yojna, to women’s economic empowerment and to helping them move forward with dignity and self-reliance. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to senior eligible women in families in the 21-60 age group, strengthening their financial security, self-reliance and empowerment. Under the scheme, each eligible woman will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month.Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra appreciated the work being undertaken by the Delhi Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- Augst 28, 2026 It Serves Well to Be Grateful By Rajan George Expressions of gratitude are never trivial as they Might at times appear; they serve not as flattery To boost our benefactor’s ego or self-worth, But as a revelation of our own virtue. One who acknowledges with gratitude The favors he has received will surely excel; As he goes along, he will achieve great strides, Like souls who never forget their roots. It is not demeaning, but elevates your own profile, Within yourself and in the eyes of others, When you acknowledge with a grateful heart How someone pulled you out of dire straits! It is not a receipt we print to give a customer As proof of purchase, nor a debt we owe To our benefactors, who, in times of our greatest need, Offered us a hand and helped us back on our feet. But it is a simple acknowledgment that may move Mountains and motivate others to do the same. It encourages the giver to do even more And establishes a bond that may never snap. We may not feel the weight of gratitude if we fail To express it to those to whom we owe a great deal. Even our benefactors may not consider it important; Some do good simply for goodness’ sake. But the expression of gratitude springs from Love— Undefiled and sacrificial, seeking not its own. So go ahead and say, “Thank you,” for every favor Received, for it serves well to be grateful! the development of Delhi and, in particular, for the welfare of women and daughters. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee means a guarantee that work will be completed, and the launch of the Delhi Lakshmi Yojna is proof of the fulfilment of that commitment.Under the guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government is continuously working for the welfare and empowerment of mothers and sisters across the country. At the same time, the Delhi Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is committed to providing women with the facilities and economic opportunities they need. The Delhi Lakshmi Yojna is an important initiative towards making women financially stronger, enhancing their self-respect and helping them become self-reliant. He congratulated the Chief Minister on fulfilling this important commitment. On the occasion, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the sisters and daughters of Delhi. He said the scheme, launched on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, is a special gift for the women of Delhi. INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 US pauses visa appointments worldwide amid Trump’s immigration crackdown: Report US VISA APPOINTMENTS FROM PAGE 1 consistently”. “To accommodate this in-depth training, appointments for visa services will be adjusted,” the spokesperson said. The latest move comes as Trump’s second administration intensifies its immigration enforcement agenda, which has included tougher scrutiny of visa and green-card applicants, an aggressive deportation campaign, and an overhaul of refugee admissions. The latest pause adds another layer of uncertainty for immigrant visa applicants, particularly those who are required to complete their processing outside the US.Since last year, the administration has required immigrant visa applicants to generally process their cases in their country of citizenship, even when they are legally living and working in the US or have American spouses or children. Trump returned to the White House in 2025 after campaigning on a pledge to curb illegal immigration. His administration has since expanded scrutiny of legal immigra- Remember: tion, including visa and green-card applications, with immigration actions in some cases linked to political activity and pro-Palestinian activism.Trump has maintained that his immigration crackdown is aimed at improving domestic security. However, his policies have faced legal challenges and criticism from human rights groups, which have accused the administration of discriminatory practices and violations of free speech and due process rights. While Trump campaigned in 2024 on a promise to curb illegal immigration, his administration has also made legal immigration more difficult through measures including tighter visa screening, increased fees, and restrictions affecting foreign workers and other visa applicants. However, in an earlier setback for the Trump administration, a US judge on August 21 struck down a policy that suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries, ruling that it exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statutory authority. (ANI) “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.…
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INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 Nearly 400 Kailash-bound pilgrims, including 105 Indians, missing as flash floods devastates Nepal’s Rasuwa district bordering Tibet Kathmandu [Nepal], August 26 (ANI): Nearly 400 pilgrims, including over 100 Indians travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, have lost contact at the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint following early Wednesday morning flash floods that destroyed roads, damaged critical infrastructure, and swept through villages along the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa and Dhading districts bordering Tibet. The Kathmandu Post reported that 384 pilgrims, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals, were scheduled to cross the border on Wednesday, adding that contact has not been established with the pilgrims except for a few. The affected pilgrims are clients of various travel agencies. Among the foreign nationals “reported missing” after a flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in the Rasuwa district of Ne- pal are 105 Indians and 37 NRIs, the country’s Tourism Board said, stating that the information is based on preliminary agency-wise records received from tourism and travel companies. Authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to establish communication with the pilgrims and evaluate their current safety and condition. “Following the sudden flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa at around 8:30 am (local time). On Wednesday, Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Police and tourism stakeholders are working to verify the whereabouts and safety status of tourists and travellers who were in or travelling through the affected areas,” NTB said in an update on X, giving “preliminary details of missing tourists”.” A preliminary agency-wise record received from tourism and travel companies has identified 384 travellers, including 291 foreign na- tionals and 93 Nepali nationals, who were reported missing from the affected areas. The information is being verified and cross-checked in coordination with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies,” it said. The Kathmandu Post noted that security forces, including the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepali Army, have been heavily mobilised, utilising 14 helicopters for search-and-rescue operations. Additionally, nine Armed Police Force personnel stationed at Timure near the Nepal-China border are currently missing. Major damage has been reported across local market areas and security posts. Authorities are urging residents near the Trishuli River to stay away from riverbanks and move to safer ground, though the Kathmandu Post noted that officials expect the flood’s impact to weaken as it moves downstream. Meanwhile, drone footage from the Nuwakot district reveals extreme devastation caused by the ongoing floods, and the epicentre of the disaster has become completely inaccessible because linking roads have been swept away. While official causes remain unconfirmed, the Kathmandu Post reported that officials at Nepal’s Flood Forecasting Division received informal information that a landslide may have blocked a river in Tibet before the swollen river burst through. This comes as a sudden outburst in the Bhotekoshi River, flowing through the Rasuwa District bordering Tibet, has caused large-scale damage.Prime Minister Balendra Shah has also called a meeting to discuss the flooding and the government response, the report said. (ANI) H-1B visa extension fee unlikely to outweigh cost of losing skilled talent Washington, DC [US], August 15 (ANI): The new US fee on H-1B visa extensions is unlikely to discourage companies from retaining skilled foreign workers, as the cost of paying the additional charge could be lower than the cost of losing and replacing an employee, according to Danielle Goldman, Co-founder and CEO of Build. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expanded an existing USD 4,000 fee on H-1B petitions and USD 4,500 fee on L-1 petitions to certain visa extension applications. The new rule will take effect on September 9.The rule applies to companies with at least 50 employees in the United States, where more than 50 per cent of their US workforce collectively holds H-1B, L-1A or L-1B status. Under the revised rule, these employers will have to pay the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee when they seek an extension of status for a covered worker, even when the employee continues working for the same company. Goldman said the additional fee may not be enough to make companies give up skilled workers they already want to retain. The fee comes at the extension stage, after an employee has already worked for the company and demonstrated their value.” While the administration may hope higher fees discourage employers from relying on foreign talent, this USD 4,000 is not due when someone is first hired. It comes at the extension stage, after the employee has had time to prove their value,” Goldman said. She added that the cost of retaining an experienced employee could be more important for companies than the additional visa fee. ”For a skilled worker an employer already wants to keep, a future USD 4,000 additional fee is unlikely to outweigh the cost of losing and replacing that talent,” Goldman said.Goldman said the biggest change for businesses is that the fee turns what was largely an upfront cost into a recurring expense for companies that rely heavily on foreign workers. ”The biggest impact of this rule is that it turns what was largely an upfront H-1B hiring cost into a recurring cost for employers that rely heavily on H-1B and L-1 workers,” Goldman said. She also clarified that the rule does not apply to every company sponsoring H-1B workers. “Importantly, this is not a USD 4,000 fee increase for every company that sponsors an H-1B. It applies to employers with at least 50 U.S. employees where more than half of their U.S. workforce is in H-1B or L-1 status,” she said. From September 9, affected employers will have to pay the additional USD 4,000 not only for certain new H-1B workers or transfers but also when extending the status of an existing employee.For companies with hundreds or thousands of H-1B workers, Goldman said the additional charge could become a significant recurring workforce expense.” Beginning September 9, those employers will have to pay the additional USD 4,000 not only when bringing on certain new H-1B workers or transferring an H-1B employee, but also when extending an existing employee’s status. For employers with hundreds or thousands of H-1B workers, that can become a significant recurring workforce expense,” she said. Goldman noted that employers usually file a 3-year H-1B, which is the maximum allowed, meaning the fee can recur every three years for employees. She said the impact could be particularly significant for Indian professionals because many remain in H-1B status for years while waiting for employment-based green card availability.The DHS rule does not change the existing fee rates. Instead, it expands the number of applications on which the fees will apply. Under the earlier system, extensions filed by an existing employer for the same employee were generally exempt if the separate fraud-prevention fee was not triggered. DHS said the change corrects its earlier interpretation of the law and requires covered employers to pay the 9/11 Biometric Fee for all qualifying extension-of-status petitions, regardless of whether the fraud-prevention fee applies. The financial responsibility will remain with employers. DHS said the statutes and existing regulations specify that the fee must be paid by the employer. The change is expected to significantly increase the share of H-1B petitions covered by the fee.Between fiscal years 2018 and 2025, around 27 per cent of H-1B filings by covered firms incurred the biometric levy. Under the new interpretation, about 75 per cent of their H-1B petitions would have been subject to the charge. For companies heavily dependent on H-1B workers, the key business impact will therefore be the shift toward a recurring cost of retaining foreign skilled employees, rather than simply a higher upfront cost of hiring them. (ANI)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 Mamdani Opposes RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Madison Square Garden Event By Geeta Goindi August 26, 2026 – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly opposed an upcoming Madison Square Garden event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, describing the movement’s vision as exclusionary while acknowledging that the city may not have the authority to cancel a privately organized gathering. “I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event,” Mamdani said at a news conference Tuesday when asked whether the city should intervene. The event, titled the “Universal Oneness Celebration,” is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at Madison Square Garden, with Bhagwat delivering the keynote address. Organized by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum, the gathering is being held during the RSS’s centenary year and is expected to draw thousands of members of the Indian-American community. Mamdani framed his opposition to the event in deeply personal terms, invoking his own family ties to India. “I also stand here as the first Indian-American mayor in our city’s history. And my mother’s family is all still in India,” he said. “The vision of India that I was taught by my family and the one that I grew up being very familiar with was of a pluralistic society, of a secular republic that believed in the belonging of each and every person who was from India.” He added that it was “incredibly troubling” to see the rise of a movement “predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country,” saying he found himself “in deep opposition” to such a movement, both as an Indian-American and as mayor of New York. Mamdani drew a parallel between the India he said he was raised to value and New York City’s commitment to religious and cultural diversity. He said the city “believes deeply in the belonging of each and every person,” regardless of their color, creed, religion, faith or country of origin. Bhagwat’s appearance has also drawn opposition from civil rights, interfaith and community groups in the United States. Organizations including Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and the Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY) have joined a campaign urging Madison Square Garden to cancel the event. The campaign has focused pressure on the privately operated venue as Mamdani has questioned whether the city has jurisdiction to prevent the gathering from taking place. Separately, ahead of Bhagwat’s arrival, more than 1,000 people wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the State Department to deny or revoke his visa, according to the New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced opposition to an upcoming Madison Square Garden event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat (right), saying the city may not have jurisdiction to cancel the privately organized gathering. IAMC. Bhagwat arrived in New York Tuesday as part of a three-country outreach tour that also includes Canada and the United Kingdom. His August 29 appearance comes as the RSS marks its cen- M A K E YO U R R E TI R EM E N T E V E N MO R E Extraordinary Discover premier senior living at an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. • Gain time and freedom from house maintenance. • Enjoy stylish residences and on-site amenities. • Benefit from a safety net of on-site support. • Ashby Ponds® Ashburn, VA • Riderwood® Silver Spring, MD • Greenspring® Springfield, VA • The GrandviewSM Bethesda, MD 2816250 Call 1-800-691-2034 or visit EricksonSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. • Woodleigh Chase® Fairfax, VA 9 tenary and seeks to engage with Indian diaspora communities abroad. Organizers describe the event as a celebration of Raksha Bandhan centered on unity, civic responsibility and global harmony. Its theme, ‘Vasud- haiva Kutumbakam’, translates as “The World Is One Family.” More than 135 Hindu-American organizations are participating, with the program expected to include faithbased speakers and cultural performances.
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