Rep. Pramila Jayapal among those honored at Kerala Center’s 25th annual awards gala

November 7, 2017 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

(Long Island, NY: November 5, 2017) Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian American woman elected to the U.S Congress, representing Washington state’s seventh Congressional District, was among those honored at the 25^th annual gala of the The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center at the World Fairs marina, Queens, New York on Saturday, November 4thg, 2017.

Rep. Jayapal of Kerala origin, a rising star in the Democratic Party, was honored for her achievements in Political Leadership. Attorney Appen Menon, a partner at Wormser, Kiely, Galef & Jacobs LLP law firm in New York for contribution in Legal Services; writer Dr. Sheela N.P. for Literature; Dr. A.K.B. Pillai for Humanities; Community volunteer Sheela Sreekumar for Community Service; and Ginsmon Zacharia, for achievement in Media, were others who were honored for their achievements in their respective field of specialization or for their service to the society at its 25th Anniversary Awards Banquet.

The Center also honored five of its pioneers with Silver Jubilee Year Life Time Achievement Awards. The 25th Jubilee Year Life Time Achievers are Shanti Bhavan Founder Dr. Abraham George, Industrialist and Founder & Chairman of Sami-Sabinsa Group Dr. Muhammed Majeed; Philanthropist Sreedhar Menon; Columbia University Professor P. Somasundaran and Entrepreneur Dilip Varghese. Also honored with a ‘surprise award” was E M Stephen, the pioneer and first President and the Center’s current Executive Director for his visionary and hard work in establishing and running the center in the past quarter century.

While lauding the contributions and achievements of the Malayalee community, chief guest at the gala, Consul General of India in New York Sandeep Chakravorty, “Kerala Diaspora has made India so proud. They are incredibly strong and enormous,” he said. Referring to the strong Indo-US relationship, the Indian Ambassador paid tributes to the larger Indian American community for their contributions towards making the relationship between the largest and the greatest democracies to be growing and poised to be stronger for the next 100 years.

In her address, Congresswoman Jayapal shared with the audience her own growing up in a traditional Kerala family, immigrating to the US as a student and the aspirations of the family. “My parents would be delighted to hear of this honor today at the Kerala Center,” she told the audience, referring to her family’s long association with Sreedhar Monon, a founding member and pillar of the Kerala Center.

Pointing to the fast growing Indian American community, the lone woman Representative from South Asia in the US Congress said, “There are many more coming forward to fight elections and making our voices heard” in the decision making process of our nation’s destiny, she said, while referring to at least 8 persons of South Asian origin contesting elections in her state in the upcoming elections this week. Urging the Indian American community to be more politically active, Jayapal said, “If you don’t vote, you are giving away your voice.”

While describing today as the “greatest day for Kerala Center” the Executive Director E.M. Stephen said that the Center had recognized 140 achievers in the last 25 years, who have continued to become bigger achievers and contributors to the society. He called upon the new generation of Indian Americans to come forward and take on more responsibilities at the Center and in the larger community and the society.

“Kerala Center has been honoring outstanding achievers since 1991 and every year we invite nominations and the committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to receive the award and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements,” said Kerala Center President Thambi Thalappillil. “In 25 years, Kerala Center has become a secular civic institution providing services to the Indian American community and we are recognizing those who were honored earlier by the Center and who went on to become successful achievers and contributors to society with Life Time Achievement,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of the 25th Anniversary Dinner.

The gala began with the national anthems of both Indian and the Un ited states sung beautifully by the youth group members of the Kerala Center, and they entertained the audience with cinematic dances. The event concluded with light music entertainment and a sumptuous dinner.

Born in Chennai, India, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is the first Indian American woman elected to the U.S House of Representatives. She is a Senior Whip for the Democratic Caucus, Vice Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, First Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and she also serves on the prestigious House Judiciary Committee. Before getting elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Jayapal served in the Washington State Senate and was the founder and executive director of OneAmerica, the largest immigrant advocacy organization in Washington state.

Appen Menon is a partner at Wormser, Kiely, Galef& Jacobs LLP, a law firm in New York and has been providing legal service for the last 3 decades. He represents banks in problem loan workouts and litigation involving debt recovery and mortgage foreclosures and advises financial institutions in their compliance and regulatory matters and on Letters of Credit and secured lending. His corporate law practice includes domestic and foreign corporations in matters relating to domestic acquisitions, cross-border acquisitions involving India and the United States, while representing business entities in their corporate transactions, litigation and corporate governance. Menon also represents corporations in their professional visa matters such as H-1, L-1 and PERM. His clients include technology companies, banks and multinational corporations.

Dr. Sheela N.P. is an accomplished writer in numerous journals and periodicals. She has seven published works including a novel, for which she was the recipient of an international award. She began her teaching career at St. Xavier’s College, Aluva, where she served as the Head of Hindi Department for 35 years. She had also served as a visiting faculty in several seminaries for Malayalam and Sanskrit. She has a Ph.D. in comparative literature and elegy from Cochin University of Science and Technology. In addition, Sheela has post-graduate degrees in Hindi, English, Sanskrit and Malayalam and also diplomas in Theology and Christian women education.

Dr. A.K.B. Pillai is an integrated personality of wisdom, spirituality and creativity. He has higher levels of education in many disciplines, including an M.A. and Ph.D. from Columbia University in Anthropology, for which he held a Research Fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health, USA. He continues as an Associate of University Seminars (post- doctoral) at Columbia University. His specializations include Comparative Literature with techniques of creative writing, other disciplines in the humanities and medical sciences. Dr. A.K.B. Pillai is a practitioner of his own Integral Development Therapy, Personality Development System and Developmental Transcultural Psychiatry, with resources also drawn from psychological and mystical Yoga sciences. Dr. Pillai’s lifelong dedicated philosophy is that all wisdom is for social well-being, which he practices with his spouse, Professor Donna Pillai. He is listed in many Who’s Whos of the world.

Sheela Sreekumar is involved in many local, national and global community organizations in the US and is working for the community around her. Born and brought up in Vayalar, Kerala, she attended N.S.S. Women’s College, Trivandrum and later completed her Law Degree from The Government Law College in Ernakulam. After coming to the US, she has served as the President of Karuna Charities of New York; the President and Board of Trusty Chair of Kerala Association of NJ; Advisor to World Malayalee Council of NJ; Chairperson of FOMAA’s Mid- Atlantic Region; Representative of D.C. 37, and also as the Secretary of Asian American Association at New York City Housing Authority. Currently Sheela works as a Community Coordinator of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability Unit at the New York Housing Authority to help the residents for their job education and financial stability.

Hailing from Thodupuzha, Ginsmon Zacharia dedicated 17 years of his life to the news media. Currently he is coordinator of the Indo-American Press Club, an organization that he founded and chaired. His decision to choose print and visual media indeed served him right. He is also the Director of Jaihind TV USA, which made headlines hosting reality shows in all major North American cities. It served as a platform for young talents to be heard and seen and loved by the viewership of the channel. The weekly program US Dairy brought to the attention of the authorities the difficulties and problems the Indian immigrants face in the US. Having successfully started and established newspapers in UK and US with circulation in Canada, he strategized techniques to earn the reader’s trust. He is the publisher and chairman of Jaihind Vartha, Aksharam magazine and The Asia Era in the US. For more information on The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center and diverse activities and programs throughout the year, please visit: http://keralacenterny.com

Mudita Bhargava to run for Governor of Connecticut

November 1, 2017 Staff ReporterPolitics, U.S. 0

“I am a different kind of Democrat and why — because I’ve not been a politician and I am a pro-business progressive:” Bhargava says

Mudita ‘Dita’ Bhargava, 45, the vice chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party and a former Wall Street banker, has declared her candidacy for governor, becoming the only woman in a field of four men vying in the primary to replace Democrat Dannel P. Malloy. Malloy announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election.

“I am a different kind of Democrat and why — because I’ve not been a politician and I am a pro-business progressive. And, if we don’t put a different kind of Democrat in the general election, it’s going to be very difficult for us to win,” she said. “Now, there is too much at stake for our state to turn into a red state. I am very focused on making sure that we keep it a Democratic state.”

According to reports, Bhargava, a Greenwich-based businesswoman, has raised more than $53,000 in the 18 days since she announced formation of an exploratory committee for her candidacy. Bhargava, who describes herself as a “pro-business progressive,” has raised well in excess of funds raised by any other candidate in that period of time, owing to contributions from the state’s Indian-American community. She is pledging to invite new business investment in Connecticut and create a welcoming job market for college graduates.

Bhargava said she is wearing her identity as an Indian-American woman on her sleeve. “About 3 percent of Connecticut’s population is Asian, and I am a very proud Indian-American and am quite close to the South Asian Community in Connecticut,” she said. “Five years ago, I co-founded the India Cultural Center of Greenwich which has a wide reach in Southern Connecticut. I have a good relationship with Dr. Abraham, and he was very supportive during my State Rep run and is also supporting me for my gubernatorial exploratory campaign and he did say that he will host an event for me.”

Bhargava told the media that she saw Connecticut at an economic and fiscal crossroads. “I want to bring to the state ideas that need to be implemented immediately,” especially in the areas of good-paying jobs and a thriving business sector. Bhargava made an unsuccessful bid for state Representative from Connecticut’s 151st District last year, going up against a Republican incumbent in a majority GOP district. She said that despite the loss, the contest gained her name recognition — helping win her election this past January to be vice chair of the state’s Democratic Party.

She said her experience as a Wall Street banker and her business acumen bring much to the table. “I have more than two decades of financial sector experience. It took courage, perseverance and hard work to break down barriers and be successful as an ethnic woman in a male dominated field. I plan to bring that same tenacity to help our state overcome its current challenges.”

She wants to see the tax base and industry base expanded. “So, I want to make sure that the businesses that are here — the small and large businesses —especially the small businesses because they employ more than 90 percent of our population across the country — feel empowered to stay and continue to do business in Connecticut. And, I want to attract new businesses and new industries to the state,” she said.

Born in Ontario, Canada, Bhargava grew up with two sisters, raised by a single mother following their parents’ divorce. She has a degree in electrical engineering from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. She moved to the U.S. with her mother and sisters and became a citizen in 2004. Bhargava moved to Connecticut in 2007 from New York, after marrying her husband, Dan Pelletier. The couple has two children — Arya, 8, and Kalyan, 7.

Bhargava’s last private sector job was with RBS, but she also worked as a Wall Street trader and portfolio manager at Bear Stearns, Citadel Investment Group, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, and Dillon Read Capital Management.

She said she has reached out to the Indian-American community’s leaders, including Dr. Thomas Abraham, the co-founder of the National Federation of Indian American Associations and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin.

She said the modest-sized Indian and South Asian-American communities were nonetheless politically active in Connecticut and she has found them supportive. “A good portion of the funds I’ve raised so far have come from Indian-Americans, and I expect to continue to receive that support,” she said. She said she has been happy to receive donations from citizens and even green card holders and that state financing requires candidates to raise at least $250,000.

“I come from a family with a lot of history and a lot of knowledge about Indian culture and history, and my grandfather — the late Dr. P.L. Bhargarva — was a renowned professor in Sanskrit and History, and he was awarded the President’s Medal in India for his scholarly work. He’d written 14 or 15 books and so in our family, Indian culture as very much an integral part of our upbringing,” she said. “I used to go to India almost every other year and spend the summer with my grandparents in Jaipur. So, I am very close to the culture and I am very proud of that — of my heritage. My kids are half-Indian, but they both understand and speak Hindi.”

Bhargava said the reason she founded the India Cultural Center of Greenwich was to continue that legacy. “A lot of the people who come to our events — about 30 to 40 percent — are non-Indian and we are very happy to share our culture with the broader community,” she said. She said she was also motivated by the bigotry, xenophobia and misogyny often associated with the presidential campaign and administration.

“When I was campaigning last year, I avoided talking about Donald Trump —I wanted to talk about the issues in Connecticut, and I am still focused on that,” she said. “But there came a time when my opponent had said that he supports Donald Trump and after that Access Hollywood tape came out, he still, when asked, two days later, whether he still supports Trump, he said, yes.

Then it became very personal to me, because this was a direct attack on women, and then I made it a point to say, ‘Listen, this is not the first and last time that Donald Trump is going to do this.’ He wants to be the leader of the country and people will follow his lead and he sets an example, and his xenophobic, misogynistic behavior, he’s giving people and open ticket, because there a lot of people out there who do carry insecurities, who are hateful, but there wasn’t this license to express it.”

She said he has “emboldened” racists and bigots. “And, so, when I was campaigning last year, I made the point that he is going to open this up …and, I said, we’ve come so far but I can assure you that this will happen again, and not surprisingly, and literally very soon after, I had made this point, I got this mail sent to my home with my walk-card—my campaign material defaced—and my face defaced and it said, ‘Go back to where you came from.’

“We’ve come way too far in our country and we stand on the shoulders of leaders who have made it a point to educate our folks that diversity makes us stronger, but this will make us weaker as a country and there’s way too much at risk for us not to double-down and stand up to this type of rhetoric and this kind of behavior.”

The publication, in a recent report, said that Bhargava took a step towards a possible run for governor in 2018 when she resigned from her post as vice chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party. Bhargava had held the post since January and resigned Aug. 15 in a letter to party chair Nick Balletto, the report noted. In her resignation letter to Balletto, Bhargava said she was considering a run for statewide office, the Time report added.

“Our state is facing some deep challenges,” Bhargava said last month, the Greenwich Time reported. “I’m trying to determine how I can help in the best possible way. My resignation is the first step, and the next step is talking to people throughout the state, hearing their concerns and seeing how I can best help.”

“We simply can’t afford to keep doing things the same way and expect a different outcome,” Bhargava wrote in her letter to Balletto, the Time reported. “We need new solutions to overcome Connecticut’s fiscal and economic challenges while advancing progressive goals.”

“We have to significantly improve the economic environment in Connecticut for our businesses and families to stay and to thrive,” she added in the Daily Voice report. “There needs to be a fresh, proactive and effective approach to how we deal with the challenges facing our state, starting with the budget.”

8 killed in ISIS-linked terror attack in NYC

November 1, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Eight people were killed and about a dozen more were injured on Halloween Day when a motorist in a rented pickup truck deliberately drove down a bike path in lower Manhattan and mowed down several people before crashing into a school bus. Officials said it was a terrorist attack — the deadliest in New York City since Sept. 11, 2001.

The man hopped out of the truck and shouted “Allahu Akbar,” or “God is great,” before firing a BB or pellet gun, four senior law enforcement sources told the media. A police officer on patrol in the area returned fire, hitting the suspect in the abdomen and ending the Halloween horror less than a mile from the World Trade Center.

Law enforcement sources said the man left a note in the truck claiming that he committed the attack for the Islamic State terrorist group, although it was not known whether he was imitating other IS-inspired road attacks in Europe or was under the group’s control.

“This was an act of terror and a particularly cowardly act of terror,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a briefing. “We know this action was intended to test our spirit.”

The suspect was identified as a 29-year-old Uzbek immigrant named Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, who entered the United States in 2010, law enforcement officials said. Records revealed that Saipov had lived for a time in Paterson, New Jersey. The weapons investigators recovered turned out to be a pellet gun and a paintball gun.

“Today, there was a loss of innocent life in lower Manhattan,” Police Commissioner James O’Neill said. “This is a tragedy of the greatest magnitude.” The attack began unfolding at 3:05 p.m. when the southbound truck veered onto a bike path on West Street near Houston Street. “He entered the bike path at Houston Street and exited the bike path when he collided with the bus at Chambers Street,” O’Neill said.

Argentina’s foreign affairs minister said five of the victims were Argentine, and the group had been celebrating the 30th anniversary of a school graduation. The official identified them in a statement as Hernán Mendoza, Diego Angelini, Alejandro Pagnucco, Ariel Erlij and Hernán Ferruch. Belgium’s foreign affairs ministry said one of the victims was a national of that country.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the attack appeared to be the work of a “lone wolf.” “There’s no evidence to suggest a wider plot,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of today’s terrorist attack in New York City and their families,” President Trump said in a statement. “My Administration will provide its full support to the New York City Police Department, including through a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We offer our thanks to the first responders who stopped the suspect and rendered immediate aid to the victims of this cowardly attack.

Gopal Vin hopeful of flipping Senate seat in NJ

November 1, 2017 Staff ReporterPolitics, U.S. 0

Vin Gopal, an Indian American and a former Monmouth County Democratic Party chairman, is running for the 11th District state Senate seat representing Monmouth County in New Jersey, hoping to clinch it away from the Republican Party. Gopal’s announcement is a direct challenge to state Sen. Jen Beck, a Republican, who currently holds the seat. Beck will be seeking re-election. If Gopal succeeds in flipping the 11th District seat held since 2012 by Republican incumbent Jennifer Beck this November 7, he would become the first Indian-American State Senator in New Jersey’s history.

Gopal was unopposed in the June 6 primary, receiving the Democratic Party’s nod for the state’s 11th district. Gopal is running on a ticket with the two Democratic Assembly representatives who currently represent the district and will also be running to keep their seats, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D, Neptune Township) and Assemblywoman Joann Downey, (D, Freehold Township).

Gopal served for four years as the chair of the Monmouth County Democratic Party, a perch from where he is credited with engineering several electoral victories to mayoral, city councils and the state assembly. In an interview over the weekend with Desi Talk, Gopal said his campaign has raised $600,000 so far out of a target of $2 million he estimated earlier was needed to win the race. “I have personally knocked on 3,500 doors and have another 300 volunteers” doing the same. “I am working hard to unseat a long-time incumbent,” Gopal acknowledged.

The American Federation of Teachers, New Jersey chapter has endorsed Gopal. The teachers union represents about 30,000 education workers across New Jersey. “I am proud to endorse Phil Murphy, Christine Lui Chen and Vin Gopal,” said Meng. “All are exceptional candidates who will fight tirelessly for New Jersey’s hard-working middle-class families,” Rep. Meng said in a press release. “I look forward to working with each of them to strengthen our economy, create jobs and ensure equal pay and affordable health care for all.” Gopal has held rallies with other candidates running for office, including most recently in Asbury Park, N.J., Democratic gubernatorial favorite Phil Murphy. New Jersey’s only Indian-American State Assemblyman Raj Mukherjee has also actively campaigned for Gopal.

“As a proud small business owner and life-long Monmouth County resident I love the State of New Jersey and I believe it is headed in the wrong direction,” said Gopal. “I have volunteered as a board member for our county chamber of commerce, as president of my town’s business owners association, as a volunteer EMT and a volunteer member for the county’s Big Brothers, Big Sisters Board. As your Senator, I will fight for every taxpayer in the 11th District.”

Garden State Equality, the state’s largest and most active gay and lesbian rights advocacy organization, has formally backed Vin Gopal for state senate in the battleground 11th District. “We consider Vin Gopal a friend, and we know he will have our back with Phil Murphy in Trenton,” Christian Fuscarino, executive director of Garden State Equality, told InsiderNJ. “We know we will have two allies. Vin Gopal is someone we can count on, and we know we can take him at his word,” Fuscarino said.

“I’m hoping everyone will take this seriously and if they do this could have a major impact on this race,” the Vin Gopal said of the endorsement. “There are not many districts where we can sway an election, but this is one.”

FIA welcomes Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty

November 1, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, in a welcome reception hosted in honor of the new Consul General, Sandeep Chakravorty, on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at Royal Albert’s Palace in Edison, NJ, offered full cooperation to the Indian Ambassador.

While addressing the FIA leaders, Chakravorty said that this is the best time for the U.S.-India bilateral relationship, “on October 18th, Secretary Tillerson gave a speech in Delhi, which plays out the roll path for the next 100 years in U.S.-India relations.”

“There are 4.2 million Indians here; I think that number will grow because Indians are very welcome in this country. Indians are contributing enormously to the development of this country and I think the responsibility of the consulate will increase in time. The consulate is here to service the U.S.-India relationship and to service the Indian Diaspora here and if we are not able to do that successfully then I think there is a problem with us,” he said.

Chakravorty also addressed the many issues that the Indian American diaspora face including the OCI problem of having to go back and forth with FedEx, “the consulate is working on the matter and we are thinking of sending text messages now instead of emails to notify that the service has been delivered” because sometimes those messages tend to go into the spam folder of one’s email account.

He stated that today, we don’t have the luxury of having one-on-one meetings anymore like back in the day, since the population of Indians in America have increased, but that should not stop us from finding a solution to the problems that already exist and said that in order to tackle these problems; the consulate has been and will be holding an open house every other Wednesday each month along with the consulate coming to you wherever you are.

Among the many dignitaries who had come around to welcome the new Ambassador to New York included the FIA Board and Committee members including the Chairman, Ramesh Patel, who said he is hopeful that the ambassador will work with the FIA to solve the various ongoing problems regarding visa statuses, as well as Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh of Parikh Worldwide Media, who welcomed the Consul General to New Jersey and Padma Shri H.R. Shah of TV Asia.

“I have had an opportunity to interact with Ambassador Chakravorty several times since his arrival, of course we all know that he is a remarkable and brilliant young man. He has achieved high office early in his travel career. He has been a deputy high commissioner in Dhaka and before coming to New York, he was the ambassador in Peru and Bolivia. I’m sure the day is not too far that we will have to go to Washington D.C. to meet him as he will be the U.S. Ambassador of India,” Dr. Sudhir Parikh said.

H R Shah told the audience that Chakravorty’s “job is a big job and he has so many difficulties” as Consul General of India in New York because he has to cover 11 states containing of 1.7 million people, which is not easy at all, “he has to work, we have to salute his work and keep high hopes that he will do a great job. Don’t ask him what you are going to do for us, ask him what we can do for you.”

Others who spoke on the occasion include Albert Jhasani, owner of Royal Albert’s Palace; Shobna Patel, former president of FIA; the Deputy Consul General of Israel Amir Sagie; Kenny Desai, chairman of tax group; Dhiren Amin, President of the Indian Business Association and Deepak Patel from Dunkin Donuts.

According to the Indian Envoy, “I’m here to serve you, I’m here to help you in your activities in your presence in the United States and through you I want to leverage you and your presence for the betterment on the U.S.-India relationship and the betterment of my country.”

Tillerson Meets Modi, Swaraj; discusses H1 visa, terrorism, trade, technology, Indo-Pacific

November 1, 2017 Staff ReporterFinance/Economy, India, Travel, U.S. 0

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, on his first visit to India as a cabinet member, discussed expanding and solidifying U.S.-India security and strategic cooperation in various regions of the world, including North Korea, as well as in trade, economic development, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with Tillerson, praised Washington for the upward trajectory of bilateral relations between the two democracies and shared the resolve “on taking further steps in the direction of accelerating and strengthening the content, pace and scope of the bilateral engagement,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement reported by Indo Asian News Service.

While in New Delhi, Tillerson continued exhorting Pakistan for harboring terrorist groups within its borders. “There are too many terrorist organizations that find a safe place in Pakistan from which to conduct their operations and attacks against other countries,” Tillerson said at a joint press conference with Swaraj, according to the video available on the MEA website. These terrorist groups threatened Pakistan’s own stability, he added, reiterating what he had said in a major foreign policy speech before embarking on his tour to several countries including India and Pakistan.

Trump Admin policy makes H-1B Visa extension harder to get

November 1, 2017 Staff ReporterTravel, U.S. 0

With a recent move, the Trump administration has made it more difficult for the renewal of non-immigrant visas such as H-1B and L1, popular among Indian IT professionals, saying that the burden of proof lies on the applicant even when an extension is sought. Rescinding its more than 13-year-old policy, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said that the burden of proof in establishing eligibility is, at all times, on the petitioner.

USCIS said the previous memorandum of April 23, 2004, appeared to place this burden on this federal agency. “This memorandum makes it clear that the burden of proof remains on the petitioner, even where an extension of non-immigrant status is sought,” USCIS said in an Oct. 23 memorandum.

Under the previous policy, if a person was once found to be eligible for a work visa initially, they would usually be considered for extension of their visa. Now during every extension, they need to prove to the federal authorities that they are still eligible for the visa they apply for.

William Stock, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said that the change is being made retroactively to people already living in the country and not just to new visa applicants.

“In adjudicating petitions for immigration benefits, including non-immigrant petition extensions, adjudicators must, in all cases, thoroughly review the petition and supporting evidence to determine eligibility for the benefit sought.”

The new policy is in line with the Trump administration’s goal to protect American workers from discrimination and replacement by foreign labor, NumberUSA website said. This new policy will make sure that only qualified H-1B workers will be allowed to stay in the U.S. and will help crackdown on visa fraud and abuse, it added.

Indians get most of the H-1B visas although there are no national quotas for the facility. The new directive is in sync with the Donald Trump administration’s goal to protect American workers from discrimination and replacement by foreign labour, NumberUSA website said.

India looking forward to visit by US secretary of state Rex Tillerson

October 26, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, Politics, Travel, U.S. 0

India says it is looking forward to a visit by US secretary of state Rex Tillerson to New Delhi next week to further strengthen a partnership based on a shared commitment to a rule-based international order. External affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar welcomed a recent statement by Tillerson calling for an expansion of strategic ties.

“We appreciate his positive evaluation of the relationship and share his optimism about its future directions,” Kumar said. In an address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank on October 18th, Tillerson has said the world needs the U.S. and India to have a strong partnership as he pointedly criticized China, which he accused of challenging international norms needed for global stability.

He said the United States and India shared goals of security, free navigation, free trade and an international rules-based order which is increasingly under strain.

Tillerson’s remarks come as a boost to India at a time when its ties with China have suffered a setback following a recent border standoff. Declaring, “We share a vision of the future,” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has unveiled a centennial roadmap marking a “profound transformation” in United States-India cooperation “in defense of a rules-based order” with New Delhi “fully embracing its potential as a leading player in the international security arena.”

The Secretary pointed to what he considered a “more profound transformation that’s taking place, one that will have far-reaching implications for the next 100 years: The United States and India are increasingly global partners with growing strategic convergence.”

“Our nations are two bookends of stability – on either side of the globe – standing for greater security and prosperity for our citizens and people around the world,” he said. “President (Donald) Trump and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi are committed, more than any other leaders before them, to building an ambitious partnership that benefits not only our two great democracies, but other sovereign nations working toward greater peace and stability,” he said.

The speech gave form and substance to the administration’s policy towards India and not just South Asia, but the broader Indo-Pacific region stretching from the vulnerable western flank of the U.S. It touched on a wide range of areas of cooperation ranging from military and defense to economics and trade, and from promotion of democracy to freedom of navigation.

“Tillerson’s speech was one of the most thoughtful and forward leaning speeches from this administration,” asserted Jeff M. Smith, research fellow on South Asia at The Heritage Foundation. The core of the cooperation between the U.S. and India and New Delhi’s enhanced role that Tillerson outlined lies in the Indo-Pacific region where the “world’s center of gravity is shifting” — an area where the Washington and its allies confront China, which he said “subverts the sovereignty of neighboring countries and disadvantages the U.S. and our friends.”

In effect, President Donald Trump’s point-man for foreign policy, just dramatically ratcheted up U.S. support for India’s role in the Indo-Pacific region vis-a-vis Beijing, delivering a clear message of preference for the democracy just as the Chinese Communist Party Congress was getting underway in Beijing, and days before Trump’ was scheduled to visit China.

India, Tillerson said in no uncertain terms, weighed heavier on the scale of strategic security and economic cooperation in Asia. “We’ll never have the same relationship with China, a nondemocratic society, that we have with India,” asserted Tillerson during questions and answers after a speech. Tillerson outlined the game-plan for an Indo-Pacific region where Washington was already engaged with India and Japan, and hopes to rope in Australia to make a quartet countering China’s aggressive stance in the South China Sea.

“We need to collaborate with India to ensure that the Indo-Pacific is increasingly a place of peace, stability, and growing prosperity – so that it does not become a region of disorder, conflict, and predatory economics,” clearly pointing at China.

“The emerging Delhi-Washington strategic partnership stands upon a shared commitment upholding the rule of law, freedom of navigation, universal values, and free trade,” he said, asserting further that, “Our nations are two bookends of stability – on either side of the globe – standing for greater security and prosperity for our citizens and people around the world.” Experts see this as the clearest statement of U.S. objectives vis-a-vis Asia and India, coming from this or previous administrations.

Nikki Haley calls Russia’s interference in US elections as ‘warfare’

October 26, 2017 Staff ReporterPolitics, U.S. 0

Nikki Haley , the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations called Moscow’s meddling in the 2016 election “warfare” — wording that President Trump repeatedly has shied away from. Nikki Haley blasted Russia’s efforts to “sow chaos” in elections across the world during a conference hosted by the George W. Bush Institute.

“The Russians, God bless them, they’re saying, ‘Why are Americans anti-Russian? And why have we done the sanctions?’ Well, don’t interfere in our elections and we won’t be anti-Russian,” Haley said. “When a country can come and interfere in another country’s elections, that is warfare.”

Trump has never used such bold language when discussing Russia. The President has instead consistently questioned the U.S. intelligence community’s assesment that the Kremlin interfered in the election. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia used cyber-enabled means in an attempt to help President Donald Trump win the White House, an allegation the Kremlin has denied.

“We have to be so hard on this and we have to hold them accountable,” Haley said during a panel discussion with former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice held by the George W. Bush Institute in New York last week.

“When a country can come interfere in another country’s elections that is warfare. It really is, because you’re making sure that the democracy shifts from what the people want,” she said. “This is their new weapon of choice and we have to get in front of it.”

Congressional committees and special counsel Robert Mueller are investigating alleged Russian interference in the election, including whether there was any collusion between Trump associates and Moscow. Trump has denied that there was any collusion between his campaign and associates and Russia.

Mona Das to run for Washington state’s 8th Congressional District

October 17, 2017 Ajay GhoshPolitics, Profiles, U.S., Women 0

Mona Das, an Indian American woman from the state of Washington, has announced her plans to run for the Democratic nomination representing Washington state’s 8th Congressional District. If elected, she will replace Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, who is serving his seventh term as the U.S. Representative for the state’s 8th District.

Das said her passion for working for positive change is fueled by the Bernie Sanders movement and the new energy it ignited. “I am honored and excited to be running for Congress from the 8th District and to represent voters in both Eastern and Western Washington,” Das said in a statement. “Sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option. Unlike the current representative, my voice will be powerful and inclusive.”

Das is running one district over from Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, who was elected last fall to her first term in the House. Interestingly, in the Seattle/Pugent Sound area, eight Indian American women are running for various elected offices, or have been elected, including Seattle city council member Kshama Sawant, and Jayapal. Jayapal is the first Indian American woman to serve in the House; Sen. Kamala Harris, a Democrat from California, is the first Indian American to serve in the Senate.

Das immigrated from India to the U.S. with her parents as a child. She launched her career with international and domestic software companies in the Pacific Northwest. Thirteen years ago, she started her own mortgage company and built it into an award-winning lender in 50 states, serving a population of homebuyers typically ignored by other lenders, according to a Das campaign news release.

“My focus in business has to been to reach out to underserved homebuyers, to educate them, and to champion their home ownership dreams,” she said. “As a community leader, I advocate for those who need a strong voice – immigrants, women and others in our communities who are often overlooked.

“Americans are dissatisfied with government. They want to see more unification, less division,” she said. “In my travels around the district I’ve been hearing that voters have had enough. Enough of absentee leadership. Enough indecisveness. I am a listener, a consensus-builder, a fighter, and I intend to bring it all to this office on behalf of residents in the 8th District.”

As H-1B hopes dim, rich families eye ‘investor visas’ for children

October 17, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Families, especially those whose children are studying in the US, are increasingly making inquiries about EB-5 visas – also known as investor visas.+ As the H-1B work visas are getting difficult to come by for entry level jobs, usually for freshly qualified individuals, investor visas have shot into the limelight.

For those keen on applying for EB-5, a move by the US government that has extended the due date for investments via regional centres – a significantly more popular mode of investment for obtaining the EB-5 visa – by a little over two months, from September 30 to December 8, has come to their aid. This is the second such extension in 2017, as the earlier expiry date of April 28 had been extended to September 30.

“President Trump has signed into law – ‘HR 601’ – which is a continuing resolution for funding the federal government till December 8. This has extended the EB-5 regional centre program beyond the expiry date of September 30,” says Rajiv S Khanna, managing attorney, Immigration.com.

Even as an EB-5 reform bill is on the anvil, which could increase the level of investments required and possibly include other strictures, Khanna adds, “Under the US Constitution, the government cannot make laws that change vested rights retroactively. Therefore, if you have already invested and filed your EB-5 papers, I don’t see why you need to worry about subsequent changes in the law.”

There appears to be a strong correlation between the challenges posed in obtaining an H-1B and the renewed interest in this investor visa. TOI had reported earlier on an increase in inquiries for H-1B applications where salaries are at the entry level. It had also reported that graduates from IITs who were offered US based jobs last year are facing work visa challenges

According to the 2016 report by Open Doors, a research agency, there are nearly 1.66 lakh students in the US who make up 15.9 per cent of the total international student population. If a family can afford an EB-5, it enables the student to work in the US without facing H-1B related hurdles.

Immigration experts and firms that specialize in immigration-linked investments have been seeing a sudden spate of inquiries after extension of the deadline. Jeffrey DeCicco, CEO and chief compliance officer, CanAm Investor Services, says, “The current wait time and proposed new restrictions on H-1B visas have already spurred a significant demand for EB-5 from India and this trend is likely to continue. Families with means to enter the program increasingly see EB-5 as a way to cut as many as 10 years off the waiting time to get a green card and also as a way to allow their children to work freely in US without the need for a corporate sponsor.”

Those opting for the EB-5 need to invest $1 million (around Rs 6.5 crore) in new commercial projects or half a million (nearly Rs 3.25 crore) for operations in specified rural areas or regions with higher unemployment known as targeted employment areas— the objective being to create at least 10 permanent full time jobs for US workers.

US indirectly wants to grow itself on money of others…!!! So it can boast more about its “Supremacy” in world, has forgotten that US was formed from many such immigrants who arrived there.

EB-5 offers two routes of investments. One, where the investor directly sets up his own business. The other, via investment in recognized regional centers, which, in turn, sponsor business entities. The latter is a more popular investment route. Of the 90 EB-5 visas issued to Indians between October 1, 2015, till September 30, 2016, 76 were for investments via regional centres. While figures of such visas granted to Indians are still in two digits, it is a sharp rise from just five such visas issued in 2005 (see table). Investors are granted a “conditional” permanent residence for themselves, spouse and children below the age of 21. After two years, they have to apply for lifting of the “conditions”. If approved, they and their family can permanently live and work in the USA.

According to industry estimates, since 2008, over $18.4 billion has been injected via the EB-5. Official country-wise breakup is not available, though.”EB-5 investors need to do significant due diligence of the borrower, the project, and the regional centre. One of the main requirements of the EB-5 program is that the investor’s money must be ‘at risk’ during the investment period. Any regional center that offers or implies a guarantee of any sort should immediately be removed from consideration,” cautions DeCicco.

Trump, top Democrats agree to work on deal to save ‘dreamers’ from deportation

September 21, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Democratic leaders announced late Wednesday that they agreed with President Donald Trump to pursue a legislative deal that would protect hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants from deportation and enact border security measures that don’t include building a physical wall.

The president discussed options during a dinner at the White House with Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., that also included talks on tax reform, infrastructure and trade. Trump has showed signs of shifting strategy to cross the aisle and work with Democrats in the wake of the high-profile failures by Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Trump, however, appeared to send shifting signals Thursday on how far he would go with Democrats over signature issues such as the border wall and the fate of so-called undocumented “dreamers.” In a series of tweets, Trump wrote that “no deal” was made on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, an Obama-era program that has allowed 690,000 dreamers to work and go to school without fear of deportation. He further wrote that agreements on “massive border security” would have to accompany any new DACA provisions, and insisted that “the WALL … will continue to be built.”

But he again put lawmakers on notice that he favors some protections for the young dreamers. “Does anybody really want to throw out good, educated and accomplished young people who have jobs, some serving in the military?” Trump wrote in back-to-back tweets. Really! … They have been in our country for many years through no fault of their own – brought in by parents at young age. Plus BIG border security.”

Trump tweeted, “The WALL, which is already under construction in the form of new renovation of old and existing fences and walls, will continue to be built.” A possible alliance between Trump and the Democrats on immigration would represent a major political gamble for a president who made promises of tougher border control policies the centerpiece of his campaign and pledged to build a “big, beautiful wall” along the U.S.-Mexico border. A majority of Republicans, especially in the House, have long opposed offering legal status, and a path to citizenship, to the nation’s more than 11 million undocumented immigrants.

In a sign of the potential trouble for the president, Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, an immigration hard-liner and early Trump supporter, wrote that if reports of a potential immigration deal are accurate, the president’s “base is blown up, destroyed, irreparable, and disillusioned beyond repair. No promise is credible.”

Trump has vacillated over the fate of the dreamers, who have lived in the country illegally since they were children. Under mounting pressure from the right, Trump moved two weeks ago to begin dismantling the program.

In announcing the decision, the president made clear that he expected Congress to pursue a plan to protect the DACA recipients, offering a six-month delay until their two-year work permits begin to expire in March.

In a statement, the White House described the meeting as “constructive” and said the administration “looks forward to continuing these conversations with leadership on both sides of the aisle.”

Congressional aides familiar with the exchange said that Trump and the party leaders agreed to move quickly on legislation to protect dreamers, though aides did not disclose whether they agreed that the goal should be for dreamers to eventually be offered a path to citizenship.

In a statement, Schumer and Pelosi said they had “a very productive meeting at the White House with the President. The discussion focused on DACA. We agreed to enshrine the protections of DACA into law quickly, and to work out a package of border security, excluding the wall, that’s acceptable to both sides.”

And Republican leaders are already wary of the spending agreement Trump brokered with Democrats last week on a three-month spending plan to raise the debt ceiling and keep the government funded. Pelosi and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., met earlier Wednesday to begin discussing the broad parameters of the forthcoming immigration debate. Ryan’s team signaled that despite the administration’s eagerness to quickly seal the deal, it will take awhile.

Raj Shah appointed as Deputy Assistant to President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary

September 19, 2017 Staff ReporterProfiles, U.S. 0

Raj Shah, another Indian American has been moved up the ranks in the White House by President Donald Trump. According to a White House announcement, has shifted one of his top Indian-American White House appointees from a communications position to one where he will be dealing more directly with the press as a second-in-command spokesperson for the administration.

Raj Shah will serve as Deputy Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary. He formerly served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director. In a White House staff reshuffle, President Trump made Hope Hicks, his Interim Communications Director, permanent. Trump co-opted Mercedes Schlapp, a conservative columnist and entrepreneur, as his Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Trump also bumped up another Asian-American, Steven Cheung, to the position of Special Assistant to the President and Director of Strategic Response. Cheung previously served as Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director.

Shah proved his mettle at the research and communications director in the Republican National Committee before he came to the White House. At the RNC, Shah was the director of research and deputy director of communications. Best known for having developed the playbook for the GOP to defeat then Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, Shah kept up a barrage of attacks on her through the campaign. When his former boss, Rience Preibus, head of the RNC, was recruited by Trump, Shah moved with him to the White House. The latest reshuffle is a result of a somewhat tumultuous couple of months in the communications wing of the White House, with several resignations and firings.

As an RNC Research Director Shah manned an army of dirt-diggers against Democrats, big and small. In an interview with News India Times when he was at the RNC in 2016, Shah spoke about his ‘laser focus’ on Clinton’s record and the alleged email scandal that rocked the Clinton campaign.

During 2013-2014, Shah was the co-founding partner and managing director of America Rising LLC, a Republican opposition research group, where he developed the organization’s Hillary Clinton opposition research book.

Something about his tenacity and qualifications is apparent from what Priebus said about Shah when he made him director of research at RNC — “Raj will take the helm of a top-notch Research Department as we prepare to defeat Hillary Clinton and the Democrats in 2016 and to hold them accountable for their records. Raj is the expert on the subject of all things Clinton, and his expertise will be an asset to our party.”

Shah’s work with the RNC began when he was just 22-year old , pulling news clips at 5 a.m. fresh out of college after getting his Bachelor of Arts and Government degree from Cornell University. This even though he was born and brought up in an apolitical and religious Jain family of Democrats in Connecticut. He would have followed the then traditional Indian-American career path of medicine or law, but 9/11 happened as he was graduating from High School and his focus changed completely. Now at the White House, he will be directly working with current Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and in her absence, he could be officiating for the daily press briefings on national television.

Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi appointed co-chair of the New Economy Task Force

September 19, 2017 Staff ReporterFinance/Economy, U.S. 0

Indian American Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Ami Bera have been appointed on September 13th to serve as co-chairs for the New Economy Task Force for the Democratic party, along with representatives Susan DelBene, Debbie Dingell and Darren Soto. Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., the House Democratic Caucus chairman, announced the launch of the “Jobs for America” task forces, for which Indian American freshman Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., and three-time congressman, Rep. Ami Bera, were named among the co-chairs.

The task forces serve as a unified effort from House Democrats to craft a real legislative agenda for America that will benefit the hardest-working Americans and middle-class families across the nation, according to a Democratic Caucus news release.

They will create opportunities for job growth, boost hardworking families and give every worker the opportunity to achieve the American dream by developing legislation focused on investing in key industries, restoring worker benefits, removing barriers to help workers find stable and well-paying jobs, helping our veteran communities transition to the workforce, and identifying jobs of the future, the caucus added.

“I’m honored to take a leading role in crafting our job-focused agenda for the new economy. Fundamentally, building the economy of the future means ensuring that out workers have the in-demand skills they need to thrive and that businesses have the advanced infrastructure they need to grow. On the New Economy Task Force, I look forward to working with my colleagues to accomplish both these goals,” Krishnamoorthi said in a press release.

The task force will take a forward-leaning approach to job growth by looking at rapidly advancing technology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and ensuring that workers are trained for the jobs of tomorrow. The task force is one of five Democratic Caucus Jobs for America Task Forces aimed at identifying opportunities and solutions for American workers in five key areas: Rebuilding America, Jobs with Dignity, Access to Jobs, New Economy, and Reinvesting in Our Returning Heroes.

“Congressman Krishnamoorthi understands just how important it is to take a proactive and aggressive approach to jobs and our economy, and I’m grateful for his leadership in this important endeavor,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley.

“Our economy isn’t working for far too many Americans. Middle-class families and hardworking men and women struggle to attain the opportunities they so greatly deserve, find financial security and retire with confidence,” said Crowley in a statement. “Americans want to know what Democrats stand for and how we’ll fight for them. This effort will provide a specific roadmap for how families in Queens, the Bronx, and across America can obtain better wages, better jobs, and a better future.”

Over the course of several months, Bera, Krishnamoorthi and the 18 other co-chairs of the task force will meet with business and labor leaders, entrepreneurs and middle-class Americans to develop a legislative package that will benefit all Americans, the news release said.

The New Economy Task Force is one of five Democratic Caucus Jobs for America Task Forces aimed at identifying opportunities and solutions for American workers in five key areas, including Rebuilding America, Jobs With Dignity, Access to Jobs, New Economy and Reinvesting in Our Returning Heroes.

Trump nominates Kenneth Juster as ambassador to India

September 13, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, Profiles, U.S. 0

Kenneth Juster, who had played a key role in laying the foundations of the India-US nuclear cooperation agreement, has been nominated as the new U.S. ambassador to India.

President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Juster was announced by the White House on Friday evening. It will have to be approved by the Senate. His nomination is a mark of importance that Trump places on building closer economic, trade and strategic relations with India.

Juster, 62, had served as the Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs from January to June under President Donald Trump. He was also the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security from 2001 to 2005 under former President George.w. Bush.

Juster still holds the position of Acting Counselor of the Department of State. The diplomat represented Trump for the advance work and negotiations for the May G7 summit in Italy.

The New Delhi position has been vacant since January when Richard Varma resigned along with most political appointees of former President Barack Obama’s administration.

The nomination of the new envoy follows Trump’s announcement in his Afghanistan policy speech last week that “another critical part of the South Asia strategy for America is to further develop its strategic partnership with India”.

He simultaneously delivered Pakistan the sternest warning by a US leader saying that it has “much to lose” if it continues to harbor terrorists.

As the Under Secretary for Commerce, Juster played a key role in developing the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement between US and India.

During his tenure, he founded and chaired the US-India High Technology Cooperation Group, and played an important role in developing the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) initiative.

The NSSP laid the foundation for increased civilian nuclear and space cooperation, and high-technology trade and expanded dialogue on missile defense.

For these contributions, the US-India Business Council honored him with the Blackwill Award in 2004.

Between leaving the Bush administration in 2005 and joining the Trump administration this year, Juster had served as the executive vice president of the technology company Salesforce.com and as managing director at the global investment firm Walter Pincus.

Juster is a graduate of Harvard University. He has served as the chairman of Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, and as a vice chairman of the Asia Foundation.

Survivors in wake of Harvey’s floods being searched in Texas

September 4, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

A week after Hurricane Harvey came ashore in Texas, rescuers kept up a marathon search for survivors on Friday as large pockets of land remained under water after one of the costliest natural disasters to hit the United States.

The storm has displaced more than 1 million people with 44 feared dead from flooding that paralyzed Houston, swelled river levels to record highs and knocked out the drinking water supply in Beaumont, Texas, a city of about 120,000 people.

Chemicals maker Arkema SA and public health officials warned of the risk of more explosions and fires at a plant owned by the company. On Thursday blasts rocked the facility, about 25 miles east of Houston and zoned off inside a 1.5-mile (2.4-km) exclusion zone, after it was engulfed by floodwater.

With the presence of water-borne contaminants a growing concern, the National Weather Service issued flood watches from Arkansas into Ohio on Friday as the remnants of the storm made their way through the U.S. heartland.

The Neches River, which flows into Beaumont and nearby Port Arthur, was forecast for a record crest from Friday well above flood levels. The flooding and loss of drinking water forced the evacuation of a hospital on Thursday. Two of the last people remaining in their flooded home near the river, Kent Kirk, 58, and Hersey Kirk, 59, were pulled to safety late Thursday.

“They were the last holdouts, the last house,” said Dennis Landy, a neighbor who had spent the day in his airboat ferrying people from a small, remote group of houses near Rose City, Texas, close to the Neches’ banks, to safety. It took an hour of coaxing by a rescuer but Hersey Kirk finally let herself be carried from her wheelchair to the airboat and then to a Utah Air National Guard helicopter.

“I’m losing everything again,” she said. “We got flooded in Ike, in Rita. My husband just got a new car – well it was new to him anyway. It’s sitting in 5 feet of water.” Harvey roared ashore late last Friday as the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in half a century. It dumped unprecedented quantities of rain and left devastation across more than 300 miles (482 km) in the southeast corner of the state.

Moody’s Analytics estimated the economic cost from Harvey for southeastern Texas at $51 billion to $75 billion, ranking it among the costliest storms in U.S. history. Much of the damage has been to Houston, the U.S. energy hub.

At least 44 people were dead or feared dead in six counties including and around Houston, officials said. Another 19 remained missing. Some 779,000 Texans have been told to leave their homes and another 980,000 fled voluntarily amid dangers of new flooding from swollen rivers and reservoirs, according to federal estimates.

Tens of thousands crowded in evacuation centers across the region. A new hurricane, Irma, had strengthened into a Category 3 storm, the midpoint of the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, on Friday. It remained hundreds of miles from land but was forecast to possibly hit the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and neighboring Haiti by the middle of next week.

Seventy percent of Harris County, which encompasses Houston and has a population of about 4.6 million people, was covered with 18 inches (45 cm) or more of water, county officials said. As signs of normal life returned to Houston, the nation’s fourth most populous city, there were concerns about health risks from bacteria and pollutants in floodwater.

The Houston Astros baseball team, forced to play away from the city due to the floods, will return and play at its home field on Saturday. It has invited shelter residents to attend its double header against the New York Mets, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said on his Twitter feed.

Flooding has shut some of the nation’s largest oil refineries and hit U.S. energy infrastructure, which is centered along the Gulf Coast. It has sent gasoline prices climbing and disrupted global fuel supplies.

The national average for a regular gallon of gasoline rose to $2.519 as of Friday morning, the highest since August 2015, up 17 cents since before the storm hit, according to motorists advocacy group AAA. The storm knocked out about a quarter of U.S. oil refining capacity and the signs of restarts were tentative.

In major Texas cities including Dallas, there were long lines at gas stations, prompting state regulators to tell people they were sparking a panic and saying there were ample fuel supplies. Power outages had decreased from peaks of over 300,000 to about 160,000 homes and business in Texas and Louisiana as of Friday morning, data from utilities showed.

Trump seeks to work with India while talking tough on Pakistan’s ‘terrorist’ havens

August 28, 2017 Ajay GhoshIndia, U.S. 0

President Donald Trump has called on India to play a greater role on Afghanistan, while chastising Pakistan over its alleged support for Afghan militants – an approach analysts say will probably not change Pakistan’s strategic calculations and might push it in directions Washington does not want it to go. President Donald Trump committed the U.S. to an increase in troop levels to Afghanistan and enlisted India’s help in the 16-year conflict.

In a televised prime-time address to the nation from Fort Myer, Virginia, U.S., August 21, 2017, Trump criticized Pakistan for providing “safe havens to terrorist organizations” and warned Islamabad it had much to lose by supporting insurgents battling the U.S.-backed Kabul government. “We are committed to pursuing our shared objectives for peace and security in South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Pakistan, he said, has much to lose by continuing to harbor terrorists. “It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate a commitment to civilization, order and peace,” Trump said, adding that 20 organizations designated as terrorists by the U.S. operated in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “For its part, Pakistan often gives safe haven to agents of chaos, violence and terror,” and noted the threat was heightened when two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan, lived side-by side.

In Afghanistan and Pakistan, America’s interests are clear, said the president. “We must stop the re-emergence of safe-havens that enable terrorists to threaten America; and we must prevent nuclear weapons and materials from coming into the hands of terrorists and being used against us,” Trump said.

Successive U.S. administrations have struggled with how to deal with nuclear-armed Pakistan.

In some ways, the US is dependent on the South Asian nuclear nation. The United States has no choice but to use Pakistani roads to resupply its troops in landlocked Afghanistan. U.S. officials worry that if Pakistan becomes an active foe, it could further destabilize Afghanistan and endanger U.S. soldiers.

According to reports, Trump did resist some advisers’ calls to threaten to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism unless Islamabad pursued senior leaders of the Afghan Taliban and the allied Haqqani network. “Pakistan should not be reassured by this speech, but it could have gone a lot worse for them,” said Joshua White, a National Security Council director under former President Barack Obama. “There were voices within the administration who wanted to move more quickly and aggressively to declare Pakistan not just a problem, but effectively an enemy.”

“Trump’s policy of engaging India and threatening action may actually constrain Pakistan and lead to the opposite of what he wants,” Zahid Hussain, a Pakistani security analyst, was quoted to have said. “It is kind of putting Pakistan on notice,” said Rustam Shah Mohman, Pakistan’s former ambassador to Kabul, predicting a bumpy road ahead for relations. Hussain said Trump “crossed a red line” as far as Pakistan was concerned when he implored India to deepen its involvement in Afghanistan.

Relations between Pakistan and the United States have endured strain during the 16-year war in Afghanistan, especially after al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. special forces inside Pakistan in 2011. The Obama administration had already begun trimming military aid to Pakistan. Last year, the Pentagon decided not to pay $300 million in pledged military funding, and Congress effectively blocked a subsidized sale of F-16 jets to Pakistan.

Analysts say Trump is likely to further curtail military aid to pressure Pakistan. But any effort to isolate Pakistan would face problems from China, which has deepened political and military ties to Islamabad as it invested nearly $60 billion in infrastructure in Pakistan. The “billions” would stop flowing, Trump said, and outlined a sharp contrast toward India with which he said, Washington would strengthen the strategic partnership as a major pillar of South Asia and the Indo-Pacific policy.

Mohman, a former ambassador, said if the United States kept putting pressure on Pakistan, then Islamabad would drift farther from the American sphere of influence. “We have options,” he said. “We can go to China and Russia, and I think the U.S. can’t afford that.”

The Pakistani government said Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif met with the U.S. ambassador on Tuesday and would speak in coming days with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson “on the state of play in the bilateral relationship as well as the new U.S. policy on South Asia”.

Indian-Americans have welcomed the tough stance on Pakistan, and the public recognition of India’s positive role in Afghanistan as a successful culmination of their years of advocacy in every administration to recalibrate South Asia policy. “It’s definitely a positive change — a clear, unquestionable, and open pivot to India,” said Krishna Srinivas, vice president and executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based bipartisan non-profit, US-India Security Council. “There are no ifs and buts about it,” said Srinivas.

“This is a drastic 180-degree change,” in U.S. policy, Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a longtime Republican activist from Mississippi, and current president of IAFPE, said. “For decades, we have been fighting hard to have Washington lean toward India and see Pakistan for what it is,” Shivangi said. “U.S. administrations have always ultimately bowed down to Pakistan,” not so now, Shivangi said.

Fareed Zakaria, an Indian-American talk-show host on CNN, contended Trump’s remarks on Pakistan were not a strong break from the previous administration. “… people appear to have forgotten the unusually blunt testimony that Adm. Mike Mullen, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave to Congress in 2011,” Zakaria noted.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, said, “The president made a strong pitch for assistance to Afghanistan and noted India has already contributed $3 billion in aid (to Kabul). It signals a very positive development. The two countries are going to grow closer.”

“Pakistan has to be fairly nervous this morning,” Richard Rossow, senior adviser and Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said. “We’ve got a president who has shown he is pretty willing to turn on a dime,” he said.

Milan Vaishnav, director and senior fellow of the South Asia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, largely praised Trump’s speech, noting that New Delhi was likely breathing a sigh of relief as Trump re-committed to combating terrorism in the region, repudiating his past position before he sought office, in which he sought to end the longest war the U.S. has ever engaged in, which has thus far claimed an estimated 2,400 American lives.

“A rising Taliban creates dilemmas for New Delhi that it cannot live with,” stated the Indian American researcher. New Delhi welcomed the hard line Trump took on Pakistan, insisting it must cut off support for terrorist groups of face strict consequences, said Vaishnav. “Indians have reveled in this harsh rhetoric.”

Americares responds to Assam Floods

August 1, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Americares India has deployed medical teams to treat survivors of severe flooding in the state of Assam. More than 700 villages in 26 of Assam’s 32 districts have been damaged due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Incessant rains in recent weeks have disrupted normal life and have inundated thousands of acres of agricultural land. The flooding has caused landslides, blocked highways and damaged roads and bridges. Without access to safe drinking water, sanitation and health care facilities, the health of hundreds of thousands of people is at risk.

Americares has emergency response teams working in two of Assam’s worst hit districts—Karimgunj and Lakhimpur. Doctors and medical volunteers are providing primary care in flood-affected areas through health camps in remote villages. Americares plans to treat approximately 4,000 patients through these health camps. Additionally, relief will be provided through the distribution of health and hygiene kits.

“The heavy rains have heightened health concerns in the state,” said Shripad Desai, Americares India managing director. “Dysentery, skin infections and water-borne diseases are a major issue. We are focused on meeting survivors’ most immediate health needs.”

Americares India, based in Mumbai, provides emergency medical and humanitarian aid in response to floods, cyclones, earthquakes and other disasters. Most recently, the Americares India team responded to the 2016 floods in Assam and Bihar and conducted long-term health systems recovery in Tamil Nadu in the aftermath of the 2015 floods. Americares India also provides health education, supports health worker safety programs and operates seven mobile health centers that provide free primary care services in more than 130 locations across the slums of Mumbai.

Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Each year, Americares reaches more than 90 countries and all 50 U.S. states with over $600 million in innovative health programs and quality medical aid. Americares is the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies. For more information, visit americares.org.

Trump administration reverses DAPA in ‘house cleaning’

June 27, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

In a huge blow to the immigrant community, the Department of Homeland Security June 15 rescinded a 2014 executive order that provided relief from deportation to the undocumented parents of American citizens.

More than 111,000 undocumented Indian parents of American citizens would have benefited from former President Barack Obama’s Nov. 20, 2014 executive order – known as Deferred Action for Parents of Americans. Along with relief from deportation, the initiative would have allowed undocumented parents to obtain drivers’ licenses and work authorization. The Migration Policy Institute estimates there are 284,000 undocumented Indian nationals currently residing in the U.S. Nationwide, more than 4.3 million undocumented U.S. residents would have benefitted from DAPA.

In the same action, DHS announced that the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program – which provides relief from deportation to 700,000 undocumented youth – would remain intact, for now. But on the same day, the Trump Administration announced that the program was still under consideration for rescission.

“There has been no final determination made about the DACA program, which the president has stressed needs to be handled with compassion and with heart,” Jonathan Hoffman, assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, told The New York Times.

Shortly after Obama issued the DAPA directive in 2014, 26 states immediately sued, saying the order placed an unfair economic burden on them, because of the increased number of drivers’ licenses they would have to issue. The lawsuit went all the way to the Supreme Court, which issued a split decision June 23, 2016, sending the case back to a lower court, which had previously deemed the directive unconstitutional.

DHS Secretary John Kelly noted in a June 15 memo that the order had never been implemented, because of the litigation against it. “I have considered a number of factors,” said Kelly, citing the preliminary injunction, and the ongoing litigation.

“After consulting with the Attorney General, and in the exercise of my discretion in establishing national immigration enforcement policies and priorities, I hereby rescind the November 20, 2014 memorandum,” wrote Kelly.

The White House did not issue a press statement regarding the new DHS memo. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at a June 19 briefing that the action taken by DHS was due to the pending case.

Immigrant rights organizations decried DHS’s action, calling it “callous.” South Asian Americans Leading Together said in a press statement that it “condemns the Trump administration’s decision to rescind DAPA.”

“Day after day, the Trump administration is perfecting the process of terrorizing immigrants,” said Suman Raghunathan, Indian American executive director of SAALT, in a press statement. “From ‘Muslim Bans’ to calls for border walls to yesterday’s announcement to rescind DAPA, President Trump has made it clear that he is committed to criminalizing immigrants and placing as many barriers as possible between immigrants and their families.”

SAALT noted there are more than half a million undocumented Indians in the U.S., and 40 percent of them could have benefited from the program.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice also denounced the DHS memo. “While the DAPA and expanded DACA memo have long been blocked by a federal court and the decision to rescind the memo does not come as a surprise, we are reminded of what could have been. Those programs would have protected millions of undocumented immigrants who today, along with thousands of other immigrants, are being ripped apart from their families, detained, and deported,” said AAJC in a press statement.

“The administration’s efforts to target and vilify immigrants in myriad ways, from mass deportations to the Muslim ban and the VOICE office, will not be ignored just because it is currently maintaining DACA. We will continue to resist these policies and stand up for justice and the dignity and humanity of all people,” stated the organization.

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum said in a statement that is was glad the administration understands the importance of DACA. “Many immigrants live every day in fear of deportation and DACA will allow children and young adults to continue to grow, learn, thrive and become vital contributors in their communities,” said Kathy Ko Chin, APIAHF president and CEO.

“Similarly, if it had been enacted, the DAPA program would have helped to keep families intact. Now, half a million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders face the possibility of being separated from their family members as well as unsurmountable barriers to improving their health and well-being. We will continue working to support and uplift those families,” stated Chin.

India and the United States in the Trump era: Re-evaluating bilateral and global relations

June 23, 2017 Ajay GhoshIndia, U.S. 0

As Trump-Modi Summit is planned for June 26^th, the bilateral relations between India, the largest democracy and US, the most powerful nation on earth has come under scrutiny. The Donald Trump’s election at a time of growing and converging interests between India and the United States necessitates a re-evaluation of several aspects of Indian domestic and foreign policy, wrote Dhruva Jaishankar, a political analyst and foreign policy fellow at Brooking New Delhi. He has identified four areas in which Trump’s election affects Indian interests: bilateral relations (encompassing trade, investment, immigration, and technological cooperation), the Asian balance of power, counterterrorism, and global governance.

Marshall M. Bouton, senior fellow for India with the Asia Society Policy Institute, says all variables point to the Trump administration “seizing the opportunity decisively” to strengthen ties with India on shared interests vis-a-vis China, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the economic front. In a recent paper entitled “The Trump Administration’s India Opportunity” he argues both President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are “highly nationalist and pro-business” with their ‘India First’ and ‘America First’ slogans. They consider themselves dealmakers. Couple that with bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for a strong relationship with India, and you have a recipe for success at the bilateral talks scheduled for June 26.

The meeting between Modi and Trump has been described as a get-acquainted meeting and a personal one, an aspect important to both men. Trump puts a great deal of importance to how he is seen and treated,” she said. The two leaders see themselves as having certain similarities – being outsiders to the traditional political power system; being sneered at by many political observers; yet managing to win. Nevertheless, Modi has traveled around the world and established personal relations, even with a person as different from him as former President Barack Obama, which is not yet an opportunity Trump has grasped, if anything, to the contrary

Jaishankar argues that India needs to continue to engage with the Trump administration and other stakeholders in the United States—including the U.S. Congress, state governments, and the private sector—in all of these areas. New Delhi must attempt to convince Washington that India’s rise is in American interest. This idea provided the underlying logic behind the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations’ engagement with India, but it will be more difficult to sustain given the United States’ new political realities and impulses.

According to him, India must insure against the prospect of a more “normal” America, an imbalance of power in the Asia-Pacific, divergent counterterrorism priorities, and a relative vacuum in global governance. While in many instances U.S. power cannot be fully replaced or replicated, India will have little choice but to invest in relationships with other countries to achieve its desired outcomes, while more forcefully projecting its own influence and leadership. This will mean deepening bilateral economic, social, and technological relations with the likes of Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, China, and Russia, as well as smaller powers such as Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Canada, and Australia, especially in areas where they boast comparative advantages.

Jaishankar also notes that New Delhi must double down on its “Act East” policy in order to preserve a favorable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. This will mean enhancing its military capabilities, deepening its Indo-Pacific security partnerships, assuming greater regional leadership, developing eastward connectivity, and participating more actively in Asian institutions, even while continuing to seek opportunities for sustainable economic and commercial cooperation with China. On counterterrorism, India will have to convince the United States to adopt policies that compel the Pakistani state to stop its support and tolerance for terrorist groups. India must also consider the possibility of contributing more in military terms to support the Afghan government in Kabul. Finally, without harboring unrealistic expectations, India must continue efforts to advance its entry into apex institutions of global governance, in order to position itself to play the role of a leading power.

However, experts acknowledge the lack of India expertise in the Trump administration which to-date has not named an ambassador to India, leave alone an assistant secretary of state for South Asia to replace Nisha Desai Biswal, who stepped down when President Trump was elected.

“Clearly they don’t know each other and the major purpose is to develop a personal relationship,” said Walter Andersen, director of the South Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, in Washington, D.C. in the first one-on-one meeting at the White House. Plus of course, reviewing important issues, he added.

Trump and Modi are showmen who go with the gut. and both are expecting a good relationship. Andersen even speculated that in the few days left for the June 26 meeting, Trump would appoint an ambassador or even an assistant secretary of state for South Asia. Bouton sees a convergence of U.S. and Indian security interests in his perceived similarities between the two leaders, qualities that have potential benefits for both nations. “President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both highly nationalist and pro-business in their orientation, are likely to find common ground,” Bouton says. Especially as each prides himself as a dealmaker, and somewhat of a rebel within their party folds. Add to all these, the bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, for strong U.S.-India ties.

Bouton urges in his May essay that Trump first of all, develop a common strategic view of the U.S.-India relationship, especially as it relates to shared interests in China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan; then make India a clear strategic and diplomatic priority; demonstrate American commitment to India’s expanding role in Asia; develop new avenues for U.S.-India cooperation on defense and security; and lastly, manage economic relations, especially on trade and immigration issues, positively while looking for ways to expand ties.

A Brookings Institution paper published this month authored by Dhruv Jaishankar, urges Modi to continue to engage with Washington, even if it is more difficult in a Trump administration, in the areas of trade, investment, immigration, technological cooperation, the Asian balance of power, counterterrorism, and global governance.

India is in a good place with the U.S. as the bilateral takes place, analysts say. Despite the political divide in the country, members of the Indian-American community on both sides of the divide hope for and expect a positive outcome to the first meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their overarching concern however, is the status of H-1B visa holders and future applicants, who they say make up a significant part of the Indian-American community and are invaluable to the American economy and brain trust in the 21st century.

“I have conservative expectations from the meeting – not too high and not too low,” said Shekhar Tiwari, a Washington, D.C.-based businessman, supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party, founder of the U.S-India Security Council and the American Hindu Coalition.

Mahinder Tak, a leading Indian-American Democratic political activist and fundraiser in Greater Washington, D.C., however, was very upbeat about the upcoming bilateral. “I am very happy about the meeting. It is critical. President Trump must respect India as the largest democracy,” she said. “I hope Prime Minister Modi will ask about H-1B visa regulations. We need technology experts and India has such bright young people who can contribute to this economy,” Tak said.

Ohio’s only Indian-American state representative Niraj Antani, a millennial, told News India Times via a text statement that he expected a “productive and great meeting between the leaders of the two most important democracies in the world. I am confident President Trump and PM Modi will strengthen the relationship between the United States and India,” Antani said.

Shariq Ahmad becomes chairman of NJ town Democratic Committee

June 22, 2017 Staff ReporterPolitics, U.S. 0

Shariq Ahmad, who was a former staffer for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and a chief-of-staff to Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, has recently become chairman of the Edison Democratic Organization.

“We’d been trying to get him to come back home from DC for a while, but he seemed to enjoy being down there in the Senate. He’s a very talented guy, and now that we have him back, I’m proud that he’s on my team,” Karabinchak told the Observer.

In an agonizing duel to rule Edison, one fraught with history, fractious fighting, incredibly strange bedfellows, and ultimately revenge, Shariq Ahmad prevailed at the Pines Manor last week by turning out incumbent Keith Hahn for the chairmanship of the local Democratic Committee. Hahn lost to Ahmad by one vote.

The final was 71-70 Ahmad, as the sitting chairman failed to diffuse an insurrection by minority members of the committee, which came tinged with the byzantine bloom of establishment politics – and the fierce resurrection of a local political animal.

Ahmad serves as the chief of staff to Assemblyman Robert Karibinchak (D-18), who got to the statehouse in part politically owing to a deal Hahn cut with the Middlesex Democratic Committee, presumably to keep his chairmanship, with his further support sealed for incumbent Mayor Tom Lankey. The surfacing of a warpaint-wearing Ahmad as an 11th hour challenger infuriated Hahn fans, who feared the complicity of the Middlesex Democratic Party brain trust and a quiet tomahawking of their chief.

Phil Murphy for Governor had strong ties to Ahmad, while Hahn was an early backer of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulup for Governor. Dogged by years of headline headaches concerning ranks that often blocked out minority leadership, the establishment found itself with a unique opportunity to gong that narrative while simultaneously off-loading wild man Hahn.

“I always knew from when I first came in that I was going to be a transitional guy. I think the party will be in good hands with Shariq moving forward,” Hahn told MyCentralJersey.com. “He has a great relationship with the Mayor and Council and we are happy he came home to serve the residents of the 18th District,” Hahn said to the Observer.

“I’m excited, I want to do what I can to bring the different leaders in Edison together and I think I am uniquely positioned to do that because I have a good working relationship with people on all sides,” Ahmad told MyCentralJersey.com. “I aim to help heal some of the wounds that have opened over the last few years,” he said to nj.com.

Sree Sreenivasan resigns as Chief Digital Officer in New York Mayor’s Administration

June 22, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration took another hit recently with chief digital officer Sree Sreenivasan leaving his post. The Indian American’s May 12 departure marks the eighth high-profile exit from City Hall within the past year, according to a New York Post report.

The former Metropolitan Museum of Art chief digital officer joined de Blasio’s team in October last year. He didn’t give a reason for his sudden resignation, the Post reported. Mayoral spokesman Ben Sarle declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding Sreenivasan’s departure in the Post report, but said the move was in line with a reworking of the City Hall tech team.

“We wish Sree all the best,” Sarle said in a statement cited by the report. “Moving forward, it was a natural fit to centralize digital strategy under the chief technology officer, Miguel Gamino.” Sreenivasan was appointed to the post in New York City in August 2016, with de Blasio praising the Indian American co-founder of the South Asian Journalists Association’s experience that would help “move our city’s digital ecosystem into the 21^st century” At the time, Sreenivasan said about being named to the post, “It’s a real honor for me to serve as the CDO of the world’s greatest city.”

Prior to his work at City Hall, Sreenivasan served for three years as the first Chief Digital Officer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he led a 70-person team to increase the museum’s digital presence. In October 2015, he was appointed by Mayor de Blasio to the Commission on Public Information and Communication (COPIC), where he worked to increase access to, and education about, City information online. Before his work at the Met, he spent 20 years as a member of faculty of the Columbia Journalism School and a year as Columbia University’s first Chief Digital Officer. He was a founding member and contributing editor at neighborhood news site DNAinfo, and throughout his career, he has written for various publications, including the New York Times, and was a popular technology reporter on WABC-TV, WNBC-TV and WCBS-TV.

An immigrant from India, Sreenivasan was born in Japan and lived in Bhutan, the former Soviet Union, New York City, Myanmar, India and Fiji before receiving a Bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi and receiving a Master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University in 1993. He is a proud graduate of P.S. 6 in Manhattan and also attended St. Joseph’s of Yorkville. He and his wife, Roopa Unnikrishnan, a Rhodes Scholar and innovation consultant, live in Manhattan and are parents of twins who study in a NYC public school.

Sreenivasan replaces Jessica Singleton, who stepped down last month, according to govtech.com, to pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School. Days after he had to resign from his $328,900-a-year job at Met, Sreenivasan described in an interview to Quartz magazine how he pulled off turning “a public firing into a masterpiece of personal branding” —and how his methods might work. “He demonstrated a deft, natural mastery of his medium, social media, and gave his network the ammo they would need to help him out of his predicament,” the magazine wrote.

The City of New York is dedicated to improving engagement with residents and businesses by developing tools that will enhance government transparency, improve delivery of City services, and promote civic engagement. The Office of Digital Strategy (NYC Digital) works closely with the Mayor’s Office of Operations, Mayor’s Office of Data Analytics, NYC Economic Development Corporation, NYC Law Department, Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, NYC & Co, Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation, Department of Small Business Services, and the Mayor’s Communication’s Office to help develop forward-thinking policies and usage for digital tools to better serve the public and support the growth of New York City’s tech ecosystem.

Judge Sabita Singh nominated to Massachusetts Appeals Court

June 20, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Sabita Singh, the first Indian American judge in Massachusetts, was nominated May 31 by Gov. Charlie Baker to serve on the state’s Appeals Court. Singh – who served as the president of the South Asian Bar Association from 2005 to 2006 and has also served as the president of SABA’s Greater Boston chapter – was appointed to the state’s District Court by Gov. Mitt Romney in 2006. The jurist was born in Bihar, and moved to the U.S. with her parents when she was three.

Singh was appointed to the District Court in 2006 by Governor Mitt Romney. Judge Singh is “well respected within the District Courts and come with decades of experience serving the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.

“Judge Singh and Attorney Kelley are well respected within the District Courts and come with decades of experience serving the Commonwealth,” said Baker, referring to a second nomination of Michelle Kelley as Clerk Magistrate of the Wrentham District Court. Both nominations will have to be confirmed by the Massachusetts Governor’s Council.

“If confirmed both the Appeals and District Courts will benefit greatly from their knowledge, commitment and skill,” said the governor.

Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February, 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth’s diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April, 2015.

The Appeals Court is the intermediate appellate court to which most appeals from the Massachusetts Trial Courts and a number of administrative bodies are made. The Court has one Chief and 24 Associate Justices. Singh is First Justice of Concord District Court.

She is also a member of the District Court’s Appellate Division where she hears appeals from District Court civil matters. She began her career as a law clerk to the justices in the Superior Court Department of the Trial Court. She then went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, writing appellate briefs and arguing before the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court.

Thereafter, Judge Singh spent seven years in the private sector with Bingham McCutchen LLP before returning to the public sector as Special Counsel for Criminal Civil Rights Enforcement at the United States Attorney Office in Boston.

She received her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law in 1990 and her Bachelor of Arts in the Administration of Justice from Pennsylvania State University in 1987. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University School of Law and Instructor at Harvard University. She has also served as President of the South Asian Bar Association of North America and the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston. Justice Singh was born in India and now resides with her family in Lincoln.

Narendra Modi to meet with Donald Trump on June 26th

June 15, 2017 Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics, U.S. 0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump will meet for the first time on June 26 during the Indian leader’s two-day visit to the United States, with their discussions expected to set the agenda for strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership.

“Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multi-dimensional strategic partnership between India and the US,” the Indian external affairs ministry said in a statement on Ju ne 12th.

The White House said the leaders can be expected to set forth a “common vision” for expanding the US-India “partnership” in an “ambitious and worthy way”. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week and said he looked forward to playing host to a visit by Modi to Washington.

President Trump is looking forward to “advancing our common priorities — fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and reforms and expanding security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region”, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.

Trump saw India as a “true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world. The two discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the US and India in broad areas such as the economy and defense,” it said. Modi said he had “also invited President Trump to visit India

The US statement added that Trump and Modi resolved to “stand shoulder to shoulder in the global fight against terrorism”. Modi had congratulated Trump after his election win in November, saying he appreciated his “friendship” with India.

During the US election campaign, Trump wooed Indian-American voters and was largely positive about India. He had praised Modi for championing bureaucratic reform and economic growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Washington DC on June 25 and hold talks with President Donald Trump the following day, the Ministry of External Affairs said. This will be his first visit to the US after Trump became president earlier this year. Contentious issues such as the Paris Climate Change Agreement and H1-B visa are likely to figure in the talks between the two leaders.

The White House said Trump spoke with Modi to congratulate him on the outcome of recent state-level elections. Trump expressed support for Modi’s economic reform agenda. “President Trump also said he looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in Washington later this year,” the White House said in a statement. No date for the visit was mentioned.

Terrorism is expected to figure significantly on the agenda of both countries, according to officials and experts. The issue of America’s H-1B visas for highly skilled foreigners could be next for India, and trade for the US.

The US has emerged as a top arms supplier to India and the two sides will be looking to move forward with deals such as unarmed drones that India wants for its navy, Reuters reported citing sources in New Delhi.

Equally important, the two leaders, who have spoken three times on phone since Trump’s election last November, will use the meeting to strike a personal rapport for the future. Their officials have met and interacted over phone multiple times.

The US withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and Trump’s harsh remarks could come up, but Indian officials have said that climate change was never going to figure prominently in discussions with this White House, knowing where it stands on the issue.

Another area for discussion between the two leaders is Trump’s efforts for stricter norms for the H1-B visa program — often used by IT companies to hire Indian engineers in the US. Terrorism is another major area to be discussed during the talks.

Bilateral trade between the 2 nations could find a prominent place during discussions. The US trade deficit with India is among those Trump has tasked the US commerce department to investigate and recommend correctives.

Trump recently pulled US out of the Paris accord, accusing India of receiving “billions of dollars” in exchange for signing it. India hit back saying there was no truth in Trump’s claims. “First of all, there is absolutely no reality. India signed the Paris agreement not because of pressure from any country nor greed. We signed the agreement because of our commitment to protecting the environment,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at a press conference.

Trump’s “America first” policy has also put a considerable strain on Indian tech companies’ earnings. The Trump administration is also looking to put a cap on the H1-B work visa, there by putting thousands of Indian engineers at risk of losing their jobs.

It is expected that Modi-Trump discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders, the ministry added. “Prime Minister will hold official talks with President Trump on June 26. Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of multi-dimensional strategic partnership between India and the US,” the ministry said.

Why Trump Should Woo India

June 15, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

Last week, President Trump kicked off his first trip abroad with visits to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories, signifying the importance that he places on the Middle East. This engagement followed a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with whom Trump emphasized his admiration for, in April. Also that month, Vice President Mike Pence visited the Asia-Pacific region in a tour intended to reassure countries like South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia that the U.S. still stood beside them.

But one critical nation has been missing from the Trump administration’s Asian charm offensive: India. Since the president’s inauguration in January, no U.S. cabinet-level official has touched down in Delhi to start the process of guiding the crucial U.S.-India relationship.

The Asia Society Policy Institute has published a paper examining the Trump administration’s opportunities in India. Fortuitously, this period of neglect is about to end: In June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly scheduled to visit the United States. President Trump should use the occasion to signal to India that his administration is eager to make a major push in strengthening U.S.-India ties.

Bolstering ties with India would be advantageous for several reasons. First, as a fellow democracy and an emerging global power and economy, India represents significant opportunities for the United States. Next, India can be a critical partner in both the fight against terrorism and in navigating the complex geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific region. Lastly, in Prime Minister Modi, President Trump has a counterpart prepared to make compromises to take the relationship to the next level.

As an ascendant power within Asia and around the world, India is positioned to be a critical long-term partner for the United States. Today, it is the world’s fastest growing major economy with a rapidly expanding market and labor force that will be a critical engine of global growth. India is also a nuclear power, has the world’s third-largest military, is boosting its naval capabilities, and has become the biggest purchaser of international arms.

Indian leaders have extended their sights beyond South Asia to play a greater role in global development and governance. Delhi has developed friendly ties with critical countries around the world and increased its engagement with multilateral forums and groupings, partnering in initiatives likes the BRICS New Development Bank. Once a big recipient of foreign aid, India has become a donor nation, a welcome sight for a U.S. administration seeking greater burden-sharing by others.

Second, India is a natural partner for the United States in two of its core security challenges — countering terrorism and managing a peaceful Asia-Pacific region.

In Saudi Arabia, President Trump called for “a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism.” Long a victim of terrorism itself, India has extensive experience in fighting radicalization. India has cracked down on terrorism but, except for in Kashmir, has done so without alienating its Muslim population (the second-largest in the world) and while maintaining friendly ties with countries across the Muslim world. U.S.-India counter-terrorism cooperation has been a critical component of the bilateral relationship and both countries are working to help Afghanistan in this area. If President Trump is looking for countries to join his “coalition,” he could benefit from looking to and learning from India.

India is an equally appealing partner in the Asia-Pacific, where it can play a positive role in managing stability, enhancing prosperity, and serving as a successful model for democratic development. India has started to echo Washington’s concerns about maritime disputes in the South China Sea and the need to sustain a rules-based regional order. Delhi’s growing engagement with the region’s institutions is also a welcome development. By supporting India’s inclusion in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the United States can fill out India’s East Asia institutional resume, which already includes ASEAN, the East Asia Summit, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Even as India has stood up to China, it has managed a collaborative relationship with Beijing in certain areas, showing how a peaceful relationship can be sustained despite lingering mistrust and a border dispute. Above all, by signing a Logistics Exchange Memorandum in 2016, which the U.S. long sought, India signaled its intention to enhance military cooperation with the U.S. in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Finally, Delhi is also eager to strengthen bilateral ties. As one of the few countries spared Trump’s criticism during the presidential campaign, India remains cautiously optimistic about working with the Trump Administration — a trait not shared wholeheartedly by some U.S. partners in Asia. Though Delhi is concerned about President Trump’s immigration policies and American companies remain skeptical of India’s position on trade and intellectual property rights, areas of mutual interest dwarf areas of potential disagreement.

In Modi, Trump has a reliable partner who has already tilted India closer to the United States than any previous Indian leader. Modi, who shares Trump’s pro-business and nationalist inclinations, enjoys robust political standing after recent victories in state elections and is positioned to win a second term in 2019. This is fortunate because his vision for India aligns well with U.S. interests. Modi’s economic reforms have eased restrictions on foreign investment and made way for a national market through a Goods and Services Tax. And his Act East policy aligns well with U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific.

The timing is right for the Trump administration to elevate the relationship with India and forward U.S.-India ties. The challenge will be dedicating the requisite diplomatic time and attention in the midst of the challenges confronting the administration. If Modi visits the United States in June, it will be the perfect opportunity to send a signal that the United States is committed.

Anil Singh appointed to Appellate Division of New York State Supreme Court

June 1, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has appointed Indian American jurist Anil Singh on May 22 to serve in the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court. “Appointed by the New York Governor, Justice Jeffrey Oing and Justice Anil Singh join Justice Peter Tom in the First Department, which now has three Asian Pacific American sitting judges for the first time. We offer our congratulations to these decorated jurists,” stated the organization, adding: “Diversity on the bench is being strongly reflected on the First Department bench, and we are gratified to be witnessing this historic development firsthand.”

“These tremendously qualified jurists bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience to New York’s Appellate Court,” Governor Cuomo said. “I am proud to appoint these judges to their new roles where they will continue to uphold principles of law and fairness to move New York forward,” Cuomo in a press statement.

Singh – who was elected in 2013 to the New York State Supreme Court’s First Judicial District – is the first Indian American to be appointed to the Appellate Division. Cuomo announced Singh’s elevation to the role, along with the appointments of eight others.

The Asian American Bar Association of New York lauded the appointment of Singh, along with the appointment of Asian American jurist Jeffrey Oing, who also currently serves on the New York State Supreme Court.

“The Asian American Bar Association of New York is proud to recognize an historic first for the Appellate Division, First Department of the Supreme Court of the State of New York,” said the organization in a press statement.

Singh was born in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1958 and emigrated to the U.S. in 1976. He earned a B.A. in political science and history from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1980, and went on to obtain his J.D. from the Antioch College of Law in Washington, D.C.

Singh was first elected as a New York City Civil Court Judge in 2002. He was designated an Acting Supreme Court Justice in 2010 and was elected to the role three years later. In April 2015, Singh was appointed to the Commercial Division of the New York State Supreme Court, where he ruled on real property cases; contract disputes and claims involving business torts; shareholder derivative actions; commercial class actions; accounting and legal malpractice claims; and insurance coverage declaratory judgment actions.

New Jersey town accepts settlements in lawsuits over mosque denial

June 1, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

A New Jersey township that voted against a mosque has agreed to settlements in lawsuits filed by the federal government and the organization that put forward the plan for a mosque. According to nj.com, the Bernards Township Committee met with its Planning Board and by a majority, agreed on May 23, to accept the two settlements. This was after years of rejecting the mosque that was planned for the Liberty Corner section of the township.

The lawsuits were filed by the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge and the U.S. Justice Department, both of them claiming that the denial of the mosque was an act of discrimination.

The Mayor of Bernards, Carolyn Gaziano told nj.com that the details of the settlement could not be revealed until they wre finalized in a few days. The Islamic Society of Basking Ridge also did not comment on the settlement, which according to nj.com, could be expensive, in light of a precedent set by the 2014 settlement in Bridgewater Township where the city paid $7.75 million to settle the lawsuit brought by another entity when it was denied permission to build a mosque at a certain site.

The issue of getting permission to build the mosque at Liberty Corner has been going on for four years, with many members of the public claiming it was not prejudice but rather about the location that conditioned their opposition. Howe ever, on December 31st, 2016, a federal judge put paid to that view and ruled the town’s insistence that the mosque make more parking spaces than those required in churches or synagogues, was unconstitutional.

According to nj.com, the mosque idea was rejected in December 2015 after 39 planning board meetings and intense community opposition. The Islamic Society then sued on grounds of religious discrimination because of the demand for extra parking spaces. Even though the mosque met zoning requirements, it was denied by the township. That, the Islamic Society, claimed was illegal, the news report said.

6 NRIs from New Jersey charged in $120,000 phony IRS phone scam

May 27, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Half a dozen Indian Americans in Jersey City, N.J., were arrested in connection with an IRS telephone scam that scored the group more than $120,000 on May 17. According to Middlesex County Prosecutors Andrew Carey, Ronak Butani, 24; Jay Kakadiya, 24; Akashkumar Chovatiya, 23; Divyesh Patel, 23; Jagdishkumar Patel, 22; and Brijeshkumar Parmar, 26, were charged with multiple counts of money laundering and conspiracy, NJ.com reported.

Local, county and federal investigators discovered that the group of Indian Americans called people and told them that they owed hefty sums of money in taxes. If they didn’t pay up, they would be arrested, the fake IRS callers would say, according to the report.

Authorities said that the callers would tell the people on the other end of the line to purchase gift cards at retail stores in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Once purchased, the callers instructed the people to read the gift card numbers over the phone to make purchases, NJ.com reported.

The group allegedly also told victims in some cases their family members had been arrested and needed money for lawyer fees or bond, the report said, citing the prosecutor’s news release. Carey said people in India were involved in the scam, it added.

Indian national pleads guilty in U.S. to role in multimillion dollar call-center scam

May 27, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

An Indian national pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in liquidating and laundering victim payments generated through various telephone fraud and money laundering schemes via India-based call centers.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez of the Southern District of Texas, Executive Associate Director Peter T. Edge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Inspector General J. Russell George of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and Inspector General John Roth of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) made the announcement.

Harsh Patel, 28, an Indian national who most recently resided in Piscataway, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge David Hittner of the Southern District of Texas. Sentencing is set for Aug. 7, 2017.

According to admissions made in connection with the plea, Patel and his co-conspirators perpetrated a complex scheme in which individuals from call centers located in Ahmedabad, India, impersonated officials from the IRS or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in a ruse designed to defraud victims located throughout the United States. Using information obtained from data brokers and other sources, call center operators targeted U.S. victims who were threatened with arrest, imprisonment, fines or deportation if they did not pay alleged monies owed to the government. Victims who agreed to pay the scammers were instructed how to provide payment, including by purchasing stored value cards or wiring money. Upon payment, the call centers would immediately turn to a network of “runners” based in the U.S. to liquidate and launder the fraudulently-obtained funds.

According to his plea, since around January 2015, Patel worked as a runner operating primarily in New Jersey, California and Illinois. At the direction of India-based co-conspirators, often via electronic WhatsApp text communications, Patel admitted to purchasing reloadable cards registered with misappropriated personal identifying information of U.S. citizens. Once victim scam proceeds were loaded onto those cards, Patel admitted that he liquidated the proceeds on the cards and transferred the funds into money orders for deposit into various bank accounts while keeping a percentage of the victim funds for himself. Patel also admitted to receiving fake identification documents from an India-based co-conspirator and other sources and using those documents to receive victim scam payments via wire transfers.

To date, Patel, 55 other individuals, and five India-based call centers have been charged for their roles in the fraud and money laundering scheme in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Texas on Oct. 19, 2016. Patel is the third defendant thus far to plead guilty in this case. Co-defendants Bharatkumar Patel, aka Bharat Patel, 43, and Ashvinbhai Chaudhari, 28, pleaded guilty on April 13, 2017, and April 26, 2017, respectively.

The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

HSI, DHS OIG and TIGTA led the investigation of this case. Also providing significant support was the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs; Ft. Bend County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; police departments in Hoffman Estates and Naperville, Illinois, and Leonia, New Jersey; San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Family Protection/Elder Abuse Unit; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General; IOC-2; INTERPOL Washington; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS; U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service; and U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Northern District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, District of Colorado, Northern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, District of Nevada and District of New Jersey. The Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau also provided assistance in TIGTA’s investigation.

Senior Trial Attorney Michael Sheckels and Trial Attorney Mona Sahaf of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Robert Stapleton of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Mark McIntyre and Craig M. Feazel of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

A Department of Justice website (link is external) has been established to provide information about the case to already identified and potential victims and the public. Anyone who believes they may be a victim of fraud or identity theft in relation to this investigation or other telefraud scam phone calls may contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via this website.

Anyone who wants additional information about telefraud scams generally, or preventing identity theft or fraudulent use of their identity information, may obtain helpful information on the IRS tax scams website, the FTC phone scam website and the FTC identity theft website.

GOPIO’s Upper New York Chapter holds 9th Annual Dinner and Dance

May 27, 2017 Staff ReporterEntertainment, U.S. 0

GOPIO’s Upper New York Chapter held its Ninth Annual Dinner and Dance on April 29, 2017, to celebrate the arrival of Indian Indentured Laborers to Guyana. This program was held at Starlite Pavilion, Richmond Hill, Queens, New York and was coordinated by Mr. Jhairam Persaud, President of the GOPIO Upper New York Chapter.

Jhairam Persaud’s, welcome address was followed by two speeches and a book launch. Dr. Sharla ShiromieKargi spoke on “Mental Health issues in Guyana and the Caribbean” with emphasis on suicide rates in those areas. Mr. Dennis Ramdin spoke about the “Vihara Poverty Project “.

Dr. BasdeoMangru, a prominent author and historian, launched his book, “Champions of Indo-Guyanese Welfare, 1838-1938”. His book concentrates on the individuals and groups who championed the welfare of Indian workers in the 100 years following their landing in Guyana in May1838.

Later, Dr. Leslie Ramasammy, the son of an immigrant, spoke about “Adversities and Continued Rising of Indian Immigrants”. Dr. Ramasammy is the former Minister of Health and Minister of Agriculture and he referred to indenture-ship as a form of re-engineered slavery and his words resonated very well with the audience.

The GOPIO Service Awards were presented after the book launch and the former Test Cricketer and coach, Mr. Joseph Stanislaus Solomon won the Community Service Award. Mr. Solomon is currently involved in the selection process of the West Indies team and was coaching a local team in his native Guyana until retiring in 2005.

Shiva Ayyadurai to run for U.S. Senate Candidate in Mass

May 27, 2017 Staff ReporterProfiles, U.S. 0

Indian American scientist and entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai, the man who has claimed he invented email, is vying for a seat in the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. Ayyadurai, 53, will challenge the incumbent Democrat, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, for the seat in 2018.

Despite never having run for public office, entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai said he’s not intimidated by the possibility of squaring off against Democrat Elizabeth Warren in one of the highest-profile U.S. Senate races of 2018.

Ayyadurai, who announced his Republican U.S. Senate bid in February, said that while he may not be the GOP establishment’s candidate, his track record of overcoming barriers and fighting big institutions makes him the best person to take on the high-powered incumbent.

“I know that Warren — in spite of (what) people think she is — is extremely weak,” he said in an interview. “She’s a formidable enemy, but weak in the sense that where she’s fundamentally coming from, her basis of where she’s coming from, has massive weakness and I know how to expose that weakness.”

Ayyadurai, a Republican, officially filed for his candidacy in the race March 17 and has been publicly supported by former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, who had intended to run for the same seat before backing away.

Ayyadurai, 53, moved to the U.S. from India as a child. He compared the Democratic senator and former Harvard University professor to those at the top of India’s caste system — a social structure in which he said his family held a low position.

“If you look at what we have today, we have a neo-caste system and at the top of that heap is people like Warren,” he said. “They are the academics, career politicians and lawyer/lobbyists. And that clan … is extremely spineless, they never expect to be challenged. And I’ve challenged them.”

Taking a jab at reports from the 2012 Senate campaign suggesting that Warren claimed Native American heritage in her academic career, Ayyadurai added that he’s “the real Indian who can beat this fake Indian.”

“India has a caste system, so the fact that my parents even made it here was pretty significant,” Ayyadurai, who was 7 in 1970 when he came to the U.S. with his parents, leaving their low-caste classification behind, told India-West. “I think that motivated and compelled my interest not only in the political system but also medicine.”

Ayyadurai, who has earned a bachelor’s, two master’s and a doctorate from MIT, is the chairman and chief executive of CytoSolve, a company that provides a revolutionary platform for modeling complex diseases as well as for discovering multi-combination therapeutics.

He echoed this argument in his new book, “All-American Indian: This Fight is Your Fight” — a play on the Massachusetts Democrat’s newly released publication titled “This Fight is Our Fight.”

Ayyadurai has emerged as a systems scientist, inventor and entrepreneur since coming to the U.S. nearly four decades ago. He also calls himself the “Real Innovator” and “All American Indian” on his campaign page. He believes that Washington, D.C., needs true problem solvers as opposed to politicians who “are just screaming at each other.” “I hope to inspire people,” he told the media. “In the first 100 days when I get in, we’re going to be proposing solutions through our bills and get people involved around that.”

Time is right for push on U.S.-India ties, says Asia Society Policy Institute Paper

May 27, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

The U.S. strategic partnership with India provides an opportunity to advance many of the key foreign policy objectives of the Donald Trump administration, according to a new issue paper published by the Asia Society Policy Institute.

“The convergence of U.S. and Indian security interests and policies, together with parallel ‘America First’ and ‘India First’ economic policies, holds potential benefits for both nations,” Dr. Marshall M. Bouton, Senior Fellow for India at the Asia Society Policy Institute, writes in the paper.

The issue paper posits that President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both highly-nationalistand pro-business, are likely to find common ground. Additionally, “strong bipartisan support in Congress for U.S.-India ties and official optimism in India about relations with the United States under the Trump administration argue for seizing the opportunity decisively.”

The issue paper urges the Trump administration to move rapidly on five fronts: Develop with Prime Minister Modi a common strategic view of the U.S.-India relationship, especially as it relates to shared interests in China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan; Make India a clear strategic and diplomatic priority; Demonstrate American commitment to India’s expanding role in Asia; Develop new avenues for U.S.-India cooperation on defense and security; Manage economic relations, especially on trade and immigration issues, positively while looking for ways to expand ties.

“Among the major countries that seek the administration’s attention, India stands out for the opportunities it offers to advance U.S. objectives,” Bouton writes. “The two nations’ security interests are increasingly aligned. Their economic interests could be an obstacle to closer partnership but, with careful management and imaginative leadership, could become a new frontier in the relationship.”.

For 60 years, the Asia Society has sought to explain the diversity of Asia to the United States and the complexity of the United States to Asia, and to be a bridge in problem-solving within the region and between Asia and the wider world. With a problem-solving mandate, the Asia Society Policy Institute builds on this mission by tackling major policy challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific in security, prosperity, sustainability, and the development of common norms and values for the region.

Manka Dhingra to run for Washington State Senate

May 27, 2017 Staff ReporterProfiles, U.S. 0

Senior deputy King County prosecutor Manka Dhingra officially announced her candidacy for Washington’s state Senate in the 45th legislative district. Dhingra, on her campaign site, said she hopes to break the partisan gridlock that continues to prevent needed action in areas such as education funding.

The Indian American candidate said she intends to use her experience to expand and improve mental health and violence prevention, as well as protect the rights of women and immigrants in what she deems an “increasingly hostile political environment.”

The seat is subject to a 2017 special election and is currently held by Republican Sen. Dino Rossi.

Dhingra, a Redmond resident and Democrat, is touted in the release as an award winning PTSA mom, anti-domestic-violence advocate and community leader, making her first run for political office.

“After building a career as a prosecutor, mental health and domestic violence prevention leader, and volunteering in my kids’ schools, I recognized the urgent need to stand up for our rights and values following the election of President Trump,” Dhingra said. “We are facing direct attacks on the progress we have made in building a strong economy, a skilled, diverse workforce, great public schools, and the fundamental rights of women and immigrants. To protect what we cherish here on the Eastside, we need new voices with experience and passion.”

After beginning her career prosecuting sexually violent predators and domestic violence cases, Dhingra developed expertise in criminal justice reforms that address the needs of the mentally ill, veterans, and others for whom traditional jail — and the high costs of prosecution and incarceration — were neither reducing repeated criminal behavior nor helping restore lives.

As current Chair of King County’s Therapeutic Alternative Unit, Dhingra supervises the Regional Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, and the Community Assessment and Referral for Diversion program.

“We can improve public safety, save taxpayer resources and help people through difficult times by closing the revolving door of jail, homelessness, and crime that impacts too many Vets and people struggling with mental illness and chemical dependency,” Dhingra said. “Through innovation and reform, we can continue making progress at the state level in how we address these interrelated challenges, helping people and strengthening communities.”

As an advocate for women, Dhingra co-founded Chaya, a non-profit dedicated to reducing systemic violence in the region’s growing Asian communities through education, prevention, and organizing.

“Working with victims and the families, I recognized specific language and cultural barriers to reporting and self-protection in violent situations,” Dhingra said. “In the State Senate I will continue to advocate for policies that reduce violence in all our homes and communities.

A mother of two children, who attend Redmond Middle School and Redmond High School, Dhingra received the state PTSA Golden Acorn Award for her past work at Redmond Elementary School and remains a proud Girl Scout cookie mom.

“Our schools are the foundation of our community, and where we first nurture the passion that drives our economy, cures diseases, builds bridges, and creates works of art,” Dhingra said. “It is appalling that some politicians still refuse to sit down and address court-mandated funding solutions that provide every child their right to a quality education. As a product of public schools whose parents came to this country to provide education and opportunity for our family, I pledge to be part of the solution if elected to the State Senate.”

Dhingra said she is a commuter in a two-job household struggling with traffic and the pace of growth that creates day-to-day challenges for area families.

“I am a working mom who sits in traffic every day. I appreciate that dynamic growth of our economy comes with challenges to our quality of life,” Dhingra said. “I want to work with my colleagues on common sense reforms to our transportation system, continued expansion of transit, and thoughtful management of how and where we grow as a region. I want the Eastside to continue driving global innovation, and still be able to drive to work, school, and other activities.”

Dhingra holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Washington School of Law and Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley. She has been a prosecutor with King County since 2000.

Dhingra and her husband, Harjit Singh, an engineer at SpaceX and former Microsoft executive, live in the Education Hill neighborhood of Redmond.

Senate Judiciary Committee approves Amul Thapar for 6th Circuit

May 27, 2017 Staff ReporterProfiles, U.S. 0

The US Senate Judiciary Committee on May 18 approved Judge Amul Thapar, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, on a vote of 11 to 8. Thapar’s nomination now moves to the Senate floor. The Indian American jurist – who is currently the district court judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky and the first Article III judge of South Asian descent – is expected to be confirmed, since Republicans have a 52-48 majority in the Senate. A simple majority – not 60 votes – is required for confirmation.

The American Bar Association – which does not recommend judges but does rate them – gave Thapar its highest ranking of “well qualified” on April 24. The judge has also received approbation from the South Asian Bar Association of North America, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. However, civil rights groups have criticized him for stance on human rights.

A day before the vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, 24 organizations stated their concern about the nominee, particularly his 2016 ruling that struck down a prohibition on judges making contributions to political organizations or candidates.

In that ruling, Thapar equated political donations with freedom of speech. “There is simply no difference between ‘saying’ that one supports an organization by using words and ‘saying’ that one supports an organization by donating money,” he ruled in the case of Winter vs. Volnitzek.

“Put more plainly, if a candidate can speak the words ‘I support the Democratic Party,’ then he must likewise be allowed to put his money where his mouth is,” wrote Thapar.

As such, political contributions were protected by the First Amendment, ruled Thapar. His opinion was later reversed by a three-judge circuit panel.

The organizations raised their concerns about “Thapar embracing the ‘money is speech’ paradigm,” noting that the Supreme Court itself does not treat financial contributions as being equal to actual speech.

“If Judge Thapar had his way, wealthy donors and special interests could be able to give unlimited sums of money directly to candidates for office. Thapar would make it even harder than it is now for everyday people to be heard and affect who runs for office, who wins elections, and what issues get attention; and easier for powerful politicians to make secret wink and nod deals with their richest contributors,” wrote the concerned organizations.

The People For the American Way, one of the signatories to the letter, also delivered 25,000 petition signatures to the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 17, asking senators to reject Thapar’s nomination.

“Survey after survey shows that Americans believe that there should be less money in politics. Judge Thapar is set to take us further in the wrong direction,” wrote PFAW.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights – which will be led by Indian American civil rights activist Vanita Gupta, beginning in June – had earlier expressed “serious concerns” about the jurist’s record, noting his controversial rulings on several cases, including a case in which he allowed a diabetic inmate to continue to be denied insulin; and sentencing three pacifists – including an 82-year-old nun – to lengthy prison terms after they broke into a nuclear power plant in Oakridge, Tennessee, and spray-painted peace slogans.

US lawmaker calls for abolishing H1B visa lottery system

May 27, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

A top Republican lawmaker has demanded abolition of the lottery system in allocating H-1B visas, the most sought-after by Indian IT professionals, to restore the original purpose of the programme to bring the “best and brightest” to the country.

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner said the program is in a “desperate” need of reform and it must be addressed with a serious, clear-eyed approach. “In the current system, 85,000 H-1B visas are allotted by lottery annually. If there is competition to come to the US, we should ensure we get the best and brightest, not just roll the dice and accept the results,” Sensenbrenner, Chairman of the House Judiciary Sub-committee on Immigration and Border Security, wrote in an op-ed in the Forbes magazine.

Applicants with specialised skills should be selected for specific positions, the way the programme intends, Sensenbrenner said, arguing that by shuffling foreign applicants through a lottery system, they empower businesses to replace qualified American workers with cheaper labour.

“Higher standards and stricter qualifications must be enforced. No job that could be filled by a qualified American worker should be given to a visa holder for less money,” Sensenbrenner said.
The Republican from Wisconsin alleged that over the years, the H-1B programme has transformed into a way for companies to undercut American workers and replace them with foreign labour for significantly less money.

“Eighty per cent of H-1B workers receive less than the median wage – this is not only a violation of the spirit of the programme, but it also disadvantages American-born job seekers,” he rued.
Sensenbrenner said in his home state, a number of the largest local employers are utilising the programme in order to maintain their bottom lines.

“Serious reforms are necessary to tamper abuse of the programme, level the playing field, and bring the process back to its original purpose,” he said. In his Forbes op-ed, he also said that “it’s imperative we reassess the laws and regulations governing the H-1B visa programme to ensure that our country no longer tolerates questionable hiring and firing practices of American and foreign workers”.

Last month, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order for tightening the rules of the H-1B visa programme to stop “visa abuses”. Trump said his administration is going to enforce ‘Hire American’ rules that are designed to protect jobs and wages of workers in the US.

Out of all 75000 merely 7500 really has specialized ‘skills’, rest are cheap labor. The executive order also calls upon the Departments of Labor, Justice, Homeland Security, and State to take action against fraud and abuse of our visa programs.

Neil Chatterjee tapped for key energy dept. job

May 13, 2017 Staff ReporterBusiness, Politics, U.S. 0

President Donald Trump has nominated Indian American attorney Neil Chatterjee to fill one of the vacancies on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees electricity, natural gas and oil at the national level.

Chatterjee will play a key role in Trump’s program to reshape energy policy, most of which is opposed by environmentalists and Democrats, if his appointment is confirmed by the Senate, reports IANS. He is the second Indian American to be tapped by Trump for a major regulatory position with a controversial mission.

The other is Ajit Pai, current chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, who is spearheading the administration’s drive to end net neutrality, a policy that prevents internet service providers from giving special treatment to preferred web companies.

Chatterjee holds the influential position of energy policy advisor to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and helped shape energy legislation. His work backed the senator’s campaign against regulations to restrict use of coal for electricity generation.

A lawyer by training, Chatterjee started as an intern with the House Works and Means Committee. Between his stints on Congressional staff, he has been a lobbyist for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Chatterjee, 40, grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, where his parents worked in cancer research. He is married with two sons and a daughter. Among the issues he will likely deal with are Trump’s plans to allow the construction of the Keystone pipeline to carry crude oil from Canada to Texas, which was stopped by former President Barack Obama, and several gas pipeline projects.

Politico reports that Chatterjee was named along with Rob Powelson, a Pennsylvania regulator, to fill two of the three vacancies in the FERC leadership, according to an official White House statement. If confirmed by the Senate, the new Republican members will take positions that expire in 2021 and 2020, respectively, and restore the agency’s quorum

As energy policy advisor to McConnell, Chatterjee serves as his liaison to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition. Over the years, according to his bio, he has played an integral role in the passage of major highway and farm policy and he has been a leader in the energy policy space shepherding efforts to combat cumbersome regulation and most recently working to lift the decades old ban on U.S. crude oil exports.

Prior to serving with McConnell, Chatterjee worked as a Principal in Government Relations for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and as an aide to House Republican Conference chairwoman Deborah Pryce of Ohio. He began his career in Washington with the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Chatterjee was recently named one of the 25 Most Influential People on Capitol Hill by Congressional Quarterly and has also been named a top energy staffer to watch by National Journal and Energy and Environment Daily. He is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Some praise, many criticize Trumpcare passed by Congress

May 13, 2017 Ajay GhoshHealth, Politics, U.S. 0

Indian-American groups have divergent views about the new Republican healthcare bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 4th. Seema Mehra, Trump’s administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, praised the GOP bill, even as Democratic Congressman Ami Bera, of California, one of the 10 physicians, 8 of them Republicans, in the U.S. House,, lashed out at it warning millions might lose healthcare. The GOP bill passed by a slim margin of 4 votes.

Bera said the American Health Care Act, that expects to keep President Trump’s top campaign promise to “repeal and replace” Obamacare, leaves “millions of hardworking Americans “worrying about whether they will be able to stay on their health care plans. It also eliminates protections for pre-existing conditions, he said.

“We cannot play politics with people’s lives, and what happened today put political goals ahead of the lives of hardworking Americans.,” Bera said. All four Indian-American lawmakers on Capitol Hill voted against the Republican bill.

Meanwhile, Mehra, a 20-year veteran in the healthcare industry, called it a “historic” day as the country moves “toward patient-centered healthcare instead of government-centered healthcare.”

“I have worked in the field of Medicaid for 20 years and have heard from many mothers like myself who have shared their struggles and their hopes for a more affordable, more sustainable healthcare system,” Mehra said in a statement May 4 after the passing of the bill in the House. “It is important that our most vulnerable citizens, the aged, the infirm, the blind and the disabled have more choices, greater access and peace of mind when it comes to their healthcare,” she added. “The bill that was passed today is a great first step achieving this goal,” Mehra claimed.

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin however, has taken a measured stand calling on Congress to “Amend not end” the existing system under Obamacare. The AAPI, during its Legislative Day May 3, on Capitol Hill, urged lawmakers to increase the number of residency slots, foreseeing a shortage of doctors in the future; reforming the Stark law relating to physician referrals for Medicare and Medicaid patients; and allowing the selling of insurance across state lines.

The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, the nation’s only pan-Asian children and families advocacy organization, expressed its deep disappointment by the House that voted 217-213 to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The repeal bill, known as the American Health Care Act, sets out to dismantle major provisions of the ACA including consumer protections for those with pre-existing conditions; it dramatically cuts Medicaid; and it reduces financial assistance available. This repeal bill now goes to the Senate. If passed and signed by President Trump, 2.7 million New Yorkers will stand to lose coverage including over 1.6 million individuals living in NYC’s 5 boroughs.

“We’re dismayed by the House’s repeal vote. Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, we have witnessed a significant drop in the number of uninsured Asian Pacific Americans (APAs). The uninsurance rate among APAs has been slashed in half nationally,” said Vanessa Leung, Co-Executive Director.

“As a navigator agency, we have helped hundreds of individuals and families enroll in health insurance and linked them to an array of health resources because of the ACA. In New York, Asian Pacific Americans account for roughly 20% of Medicaid, over 25% of Essential Plan, and 10% of Child Health Plus enrollees. Many Asian Pacific Americans are also solo-preneurs and small business owners who, before the ACA, would not be able to access affordable coverage for themselves and their employees. The ACA continues to be an essential lifeline for our children and families,” said Noilyn Abesamis-Mendoza, Director of Policy.

“The work to protect our health care is not over. We will advocate with the Senate to ensure that the ACA is upheld. We will stand together with our partners to continue fighting so that all communities have opportunities to live healthy and productive lives and have access to quality and affordable health care,” Anita Gundanna, Co-Executive Director.

Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, released the following statement regarding the House of Representatives vote on the American Health Care Act: “The House of Representatives voted today to take a critical step forward in reforming our health care system by approving the American Health Care Act. We’ve continually urged Congress to adopt changes to our health care system that would benefit AAHOA’s 16,500 members and their 600,000 employees nationwide. We support provisions that would simplify employer reporting requirements, restore the definition of full-time employee and alleviate complex tax policies. While not perfect, the American Health Care Act is a step in the right direction. We’ll continue to speak to Congress about more reforms that will lower costs for employers and workers alike while leading to greater and more affordable coverage.”

Meanwhile, the nation’s premier medical body, the American Medical Association, strongly opposed the bill saying if it were to become law, “millions of Americans would lose health insurance coverage, and the safety net provided by Medicaid would be severely eroded.” It also criticized “Last-minute changes” to the bill allowing states to apply for waivers from critical consumer protections under current law and providing additional funding for high-risk pools and reinsurance mechanisms, saying those changes “failed to remedy the fundamental flaws of the bill.” Six other specialty medical associations also issued a statement against the bill.

Prof. Gyan Prakash to lead “The Culture and Politics of Resentment.”

May 5, 2017 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Professor Gyan Prakash, an Indian-American professor at New Jersey’s Princeton University will lead six scholars from around the world in a program focusing on “The Culture and Politics of Resentment.”

The Fung Global Fellows Program, administered by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, brings together international research scholars from the social sciences and humanities around a common topic. For the 2017-18 academic year, the scholars will work on “The Culture and Politics of Resentment.”

“Resentment is a powerful emotion for expressing culture and politics,” Prakash said. “Experiences and memories of humiliation, oppression and marginalization have stimulated emotions of resentment, and produced compelling demands for political inclusion and justice around the world. Alternatively, rage against what is seen as the ‘tyranny of the minority,’ inequality, the corruption and aloofness of elites, the ‘foreign,’ and the illegitimate have generated powerful populist upsurges against the perceived enemies of a homogeneous body of ‘the people.’

“The goal for our new cohort will be to explore the full range of phenomena involved in the culture and politics of resentment, the conditions that produce such sentiments, and the projects they advance,” he said.

“Given that the rise of populist politics that relies on a powerful sense of resentment has important implications for democracy across the world, our idea is to explore it from a historical perspective and from different disciplinary points of view,” Prakash explained. He will hold a series of seminars, lectures, and conferences on the topic during the year.

The program is funded by a portion of a $10 million gift from Princeton alumnus William Fung of Hong Kong that is designed to increase substantially the University’s engagement with scholars around the world and inspire ideas that transcend borders.

The first group of fellows came together around the theme of “Languages and Authority” — an examination of how languages interact with political, social, economic and cultural authority. The second cohort focused on “Global Diffusion,” an examination of how certain policies, specific modes of social categorization, and cultural templates spread to nations around the globe while others never catch on. In the program’s third year, fellows focused on “Ethnic Politics and Identities” — the causes, narrative modalities and consequences of the politicization of ethnic, racial and national divides from a comparative perspective. The cohort completing the current academic year is focused on “International Society — Institutions and Actors in Global Governance.” The scholars are working on examining the emergence, functioning and effects of international organizations and transnational associations of all types from a cultural, historical, political, sociological or other perspective.

Prakash specializes in the history of modern India. His book “Mumbai Fables” (Princeton University Press and Harper Collins, India), was adapted for the film, “Bombay Velvet”, released in 2015, for which he wrote the story and co-wrote the screenplay. His general field of research and teaching interests concerns urban modernity, the colonial genealogies of modernity, and problems of postcolonial thought and politics. He advises graduate students on modern South Asian history, colonialism and postcolonial theory, urban history, global history, and history of science.

He is the author of several books including “Bonded Histories: Genealogies of Labor Servitude in Colonial India” (1990), and “Another Reason: Science and the Imagination of Modern India” (1999), and has co-authored a book on world history, “Worlds Together, Worlds Apart” (2002). He has also produced an edited volume, “Noir Urbanisms: Dystopic Images of the Modern City,” and a co-edited volume, “Utopia/Dystopia: Historical Conditions of Possibility” which were published by Princeton University Press in Fall 2010. “The Tower of Silence”, a book based on a 1927 detective novel manuscript that he discovered and edited, was published in 2013.

Rep. Frank Pallone to pressure Trump against hate crime

May 5, 2017 Staff ReporterCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

Rep. Frank Pallone has promised to pressure the Trump administration to do more to prevent hate crimes. The Congressman from New Jersey held a roundtable discussion with Indian American leaders to discuss issues like immigration and hate crimes April 20, at a Hindu temple in Edison, N.J. Pallone, a co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, called it an honor to interact with community leaders and praised the South Asian communities for their “tremendous contributions” to the country.

Organized by Amit Jani, Pallone’s former Congressional aide, the event discussed about concrete steps that could be taken. Among those steps, the need for sensitivity training for the community and law enforcement, and “shooter training” in places like temples and mosques, that have been subjected to attacks around the country.

“The hate crimes we have seen in recent month are completely unacceptable and this bigotry must strengthen our resolve to work towards tolerance and provide justice and protection for victims who have been targeted,” Pallone is quoted saying in a press release. “I will also push the Trump administration to do more to combat the growing number of hate crimes throughout our nation and step back from the toxic rhetoric on immigration, race, and religion that is dividing our nation.”

The attendees included Edison Councilwoman Sapana Shah; South Brunswick Board of Education Member Deven Patel; Kanu Patel, CEO of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS); BAPS representative – Vinay Limbachia; Indian Business Association (IBA) President Dhiren Amin; – South Asian Registration Initiative (SARI) Chairman – Ritesh Shah; Sudhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus – Board Member – Savith Sampath; Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund representative, Raj Groomer; South Asian American Caucus (New Jersey Democratic State Committee) Co-Chair – Satish Poondi; TV Asia Senior Vice President and News Director Rohit Vyas; New Jersey South Asian Bar Association President Bhaveen Jani; South Asians for America (SAFA) Co-Chair Neha Dewan; Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) President Sunil Nayak; Rutgers Indian American Group Leader Priya Kantesaria, a student leader; Edison Indian Senior Citizen Association President Ghansyam Patel; Bengali American Women’s Development Initiative (BAWDI) Founder Nadia Hussain; and Bengali community leader Kumud Roy.

US Senate Confirmation Hearings held for Judge Amul Thapar even as civil rights groups express concerns

May 3, 2017 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

Judge Amul R. Thapar, who was on President Trump’s short list for the Supreme Court, faced questions from senators on Wednesday, April 26^th regarding his nomination to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Thapar, who hails from Kentucky, was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, who praised Thapar as “a bright, fair, and dedicated man who will make a tremendous addition to the Sixth Circuit. He is a keen legal mind who applies the law fairly to all who enter his court-room.”

The Sixth Court of Appeals serves Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Thapar currently serves on the district court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. He is the first Article III judge of South Asian descent. The American Bar Association – which does not recommend judges but does rate them – gave Thapar its highest ranking of “well qualified” on April 24. The judge has also received approbation from the South Asian Bar Association of North America, and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

The Senate Judiciary Committee’s Democrats were much less charitable. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin questioned Thapar at length about his membership in the Federalist Society, an organization the Illinois Democrat said had an outsized role in selecting the people on Trump’s short list to fill the Supreme Court vacancy.

Thapar noted that he was a member of group, which he identified as an “open-debate” society, for three or four years before he became a judge. Durbin expressed concern and said, “They like you and that’s the point I’m trying to get to.” Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse defended the Federalist Society during his questioning of Thapar.

The People for the American Way, and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights – which will be led by Indian American civil rights activist Vanita Gupta, beginning in June – expressed “serious concerns” about the jurist’s record.

The Leadership Conference noted that Thapar had a history of controversial rulings, including a case in which he allowed a diabetic inmate to continue to be denied insulin; and sentencing three pacifists – including an 82-year-old nun – to lengthy prison terms after they broke into a nuclear power plant in Oakridge, Tennessee, and spray-painted peace slogans.

As his wife, father, mother, former law clerks and children looked on, Thapar was grilled on several issues, including controversial rulings, his alleged support of corporate and Republican interests, and his allegiance to Trump and to the Federalist Society, a conservative legal organization which has had great influence in getting conservatives appointed to judicial roles.

“I’ve always ruled fairly to the best of my ability,” responded Thapar to a question regarding his alleged allegiance to corporate interests. “I’ve ruled time and again against corporations and in support of the little guy.”

The judge cited his ruling in a 2016 case regarding a woman who was stripped of her $800 per month Social Security benefits. In that case, Thapar said that the Social Security Administration had violated the due process rights of the woman by not allowing her to challenge evidence presented against her. “When the government re-determined her right to disability payments – and categorically excluded some of her medical evidence because it had ‘reason to believe’ the evidence was fraudulent – she never got a chance to challenge that factual assertion before anyone,” wrote Thapar in his 33-page ruling, saying that the SSA had acted unconstitutionally. He also referred to a 2010 case where he ruled against Massey Energy, in support of coal miners who were suffering from hazardous conditions underground, in violation of labor safety laws.

Shri Thanedar to run for Governor of Michigan

May 3, 2017 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

Ann Arbor, Mich.-based entrepreneur Shri Thanedar, the former chief executive officer of Avomeen Analytical Services LLC and three-time winner of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, has filed papers to run for governor of Michigan in 2018.

The Indian American filed papers with the Secretary of State’s Office April 5, allowing him to raise funds for his campaign. Though he has filed for his candidacy, Thanedar has made no formal announcements of his candidacy, according to a Detroit News report. Thanedar, who filed as a Democrat, launched Avomeen in 2010 and made headlines late last year when he gave his employees $1.5 million in holiday bonuses, collectively.

Thanedar, former CEO of Avomeen Analytical Services, was named 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year by multinational finance giant Ernst and Young and made local headlines in December for giving his employees a collective $1.5 million in holiday bonuses.

The India native submitted paperwork to the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office on April 5 that would allow him to raise funds for a gubernatorial campaign, but he has not yet announced any formal plans to seek the post. If he runs, Thanedar would join a growing Democratic field that includes former state Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, former Detroit health director Abdul El-Sayed and former Xerox executive Bill Cobbs. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, is also considering a run for governor.

Thanedar, who earned an M.B.A. from Fontbonne University and a doctorate degree from the University of Akron, was named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999, 2007 and 2016. Thanedar made and lost a fortune in Missouri before moving to Michigan and finding new success. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported he bought and built up a chemical analysis firm there, eventually purchasing a Ferrari and constructing a 13,000-square-foot mansion.

But the Great Recession and financial industry crash hit his company and acquisitions hard, reportedly prompting a lender to take him to court, where a bankruptcy judge appointed a receiver to sell the business.

Jim Hines, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Saginaw and president of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations, has announced his candidacy on the GOP ballot. Attorney General Bill Schuette and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley are contemplating bids, the report added. Incumbent Gov. Rick Snyder cannot seek re-election in 2018 under Michigan’s term-limits law. The Michigan 2018 primary is Aug. 7.

Surya Dhakar announces candidacy for Virginia House of Delegates

May 3, 2017 Staff ReporterCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

Indian American physician Surya Dhakar is running for the Virginia House of Delegates District 56. A Republican candidate, Dhakar is vying for the seat currently held by Republican Peter Farrell, who is not seeking re-election. Dhakar has put his name in the pool of candidates looking to fill the seat being vacated by Republican Peter Farrell, who is not seeking re-election.

Dhakar has had a dental practice in Henrico County for more than 20 years, and has served on a number of state and county advisory boards, including the Virginia Board of Dentistry from 2011 to 2015. He lives in Henrico County with his wife, where they raised their two children, who now have children of their own. “We want our children and grandchildren to have the same freedom and opportunity we’ve cherished (since emigrating to Henrico County),” Dhakar said on his campaign page. “As your delegate, I will continue that service and I promise to be honest, devoted and accessible to you,” he said.

If elected, Dhakar promises to advance and protect a fiscally responsible conservative agenda of lower taxes and end wasteful spending; exceptional public schools that deliver an excellent education; healthcare that functions for families at lower costs; and to restore the sense of community.

A past and present member of several state and county advisory boards, Dhakar is one of the seven contestants. He served on the Viriginia Board of Dentistry from 2011 to 2015; and served as president of the Indian Association of Virginia, twice. Dhakar’s poll promises include lower taxes, improved public schools and lower costs of healthcare services.

Among the other GOP candidates are John McGuire, Graven Craig, George Goodwin and Matt Pinsker. The 56^th District includes Louisa County, portions of Goochland, Henrico and Spotsylvania counties. The area is heavily Republican; so much so that the Democrats did not run for this seat since 2009. This year, however, two Democrats are in the fray. From January till March, the Indian American physician raised more than $58,000; nearly equal to all others, combined. The district has been held uncontested by Republicans since 2009. The primary election is scheduled for June 13. Should Dhakar advance, the general election is slated for Nov. 7.

Vishal J Amin, Neomi Rao join Trump administration

April 25, 2017 Staff ReporterPolitics, U.S. 0

US President Donald Trump has named two more Indian Americans to key senior positions in his administration. He named Vishal J Amin as the intellectual property enforcement coordinator in the president’s executive office and Neomi Rao as administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget.

When confirmed, they will join Nikki Haley, Seema Verma, Ajit Pai and others of Indian descent in key positions. As US ambassador to UN, Haley holds a cabinet position, the highest federal office ever held by an Indian American.

Amin is currently serving as senior counsel on the House Judiciary Committee. His earlier positions included stints in President George W Bush’s White House as associate director for domestic policy and in the department of commerce. He studied neuroscience for his bachelors degree from Johns Hopkins University and received his law degree from Washington University in St Louis.

Rao is a professor at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and also serves as a public member of the Administrative Conference of the United States. She was associate counsel to President George W. Bush; counsel for nominations and constitutional law to the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary; and law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas of the US Supreme Court. Rao went to the University of Chicago and Yale University.

India, US reaffirm strategic partnership; shared perspectives in region

April 19, 2017 Ajay GhoshIndia, Politics, Travel, U.S. 0

The United States and India reaffirmed a strategic partnership that involves not only a growing defense relationship but also shared perspectives of the region. Rounding off his first regional visit, US NSA, HR McMaster held talks with prime minister Narendra Modi, NSA, Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S. Jaishankar. According to the PMO, the two sides “exchanged views on how both countries can work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and to advance regional peace, security and stability.”

A statement by the US embassy said the US reaffirmed India’s status as “major defence partner”. “The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defense and counterterrorism cooperation. The visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad.”

A new era of cooperation between the US and India was ushered in on July 18, 2005 in Washington DC when President George Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh concluded a set of far reaching initiatives which will pave the way for a closer economic and strategic partnership between the two countries at Government and at industry levels.

The US and India share common values based on their democratic, multi–cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies, as well as a strong entrepreneurial spirit, all of which support the bilateral Strategic Partnership.

Both the US and India are committed to full exploitation of the mutual benefits of globalization, which is an irreversible process driven by technology and the development of human resources in an increasingly knowledge-based world. Through mutual harnessing of technology and human capital, the US and India can forge a unique partnership to achieve greater competitiveness and prosperity for the citizens of both nations.

In this context, the planned visit by PM to travel to Washington DC for his first summit with Donald Trump this summer, assumes importance. It is believed McMaster’s discussions included talks on the visit, though there was no official confirmation.

Official sources said the discussions with the Indian leadership covered situation in Afghanistan, West Asia and DPRK. McMaster has separately been quoted as saying that the North Korean issue was “coming to a head”.

On the issue of Afghanistan, Indian sources said there appeared to be a continuation of US policy, based primarily on counter-terrorism and supporting building up of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). “We both want the same outcomes in Afghanistan. The difference is in our resources and approach,” said high level sources.

‘You don’t drain a swamp with a slogan’: Bharara knocks Trump for replacing ‘muck with muck’

April 10, 2017 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Former Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara took several shots at the administration of President Donald Trump on April 6^th calling for “facts not falsehoods” as the basis for political discourse and a more welcoming stance towards immigrants in his first public speaking event since being fired one month ago.

Bharara sprinkled the hour-long speech with humor, including a joke about the size of the crowd clearly aimed at Trump. But Bharara also made a series of thinly veiled criticisms of the new administration, referring multiple times to Trump’s campaign pledge to “drain the swamp” in Washington. “You don’t drain a swamp with a slogan. You don’t drain it by replacing one set of partisans with another. You don’t replace muck with muck,” Bharara, 48, said at the Cooper Union in New York.

“To drain a swamp you need an army corps of engineers, experts schooled in service and serious purpose. Not do-nothing, say-anything, neophyte opportunists who know a lot about how to bully and bluster but not so much about truth, justice and fairness.”

Bharara was fired by Trump on March 11 after refusing to step down. While he was among 46 U.S. attorneys told to submit their resignations, his dismissal was a surprise because Trump had asked him in November to stay in the job.

In his first public appearance since being fired, Indian American former top federal prosecutor Preet Bharara took swipes at President Donald Trump. “To drain a swamp you need an army corps of engineers, experts schooled in service and serious purpose, not do-nothing, say-anything neophyte opportunists who know a lot about how to bully and bluster but not so much about truth, justice and fairness. Draining a swamp takes genuine commitment to justice and fairness and not attention to what benefits one group over another or divides one group against another,” he said.

Bharara acknowledged the presence of some of his former colleagues, including some from his press office who he said “were the only people who stood between me and the dishonest media,” in another swipe at Trump. “That’s called tongue and cheek,” Bharara said.

He also thanked New York University’s School of Law for giving him a job as the distinguished scholar in residence. “My father-in-law was really happy to hear that I was going to have a job,” he said. During the lecture, Bharara reflected on his time as Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor and his office’s accomplishments in rooting out corruption and fighting terrorism and insider trading cases. Even when Bharara was in office, he repeatedly dismissed speculation that he will eventually run for public office and reiterated that he will not enter politics. “I don’t have any plans to enter politics just like I had no plans to join the circus. I mean no offense to the circus,” he said to laughter from the audience. Bharara called on American citizens to unite and continue the fight against injustice, saying active citizenship matters and is “desperately needed now more than ever, individually and collectively.”

Nikki Haley proposes; India rejects offer to mediate with Pakistan

April 10, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, Politics, U.S. 0

India has rejected an offer from the U.S. to help de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan April 4, saying that its position on the bilateral redressal of all issues between the two countries has not changed. India further said that the international community needed to address the terrorism coming out of Pakistan. “Government’s position for bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues in an environment free of terror and violence hasn’t changed,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

“We, of course, expect the international community and organizations to enforce international mechanisms and mandates concerning terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which continues to be the single biggest threat to peace and stability in our region and beyond,” he said.

“I would expect that the administration is going to be in talks and try and find its place to be part of that process,” the former governor of South Carolina said, adding that she “wouldn’t be surprised if the president participates as well.”

The reaction came after Indian American Nikki Haley, the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, said April 4 that the U.S. was concerned about relations between India and Pakistan, and that President Donald Trump might get involved in a peace process between the two South Asian countries.

“This administration is concerned about the relationship between India and Pakistan and very much wants to see how we de-escalate any sort of conflict going forward,” Haley, who holds a cabinet rank in the Trump administration, said. During his campaign in 2016, Trump had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, but was careful to add that it was only if the two nations wanted him to. In an interview to The Hindustan Times, Trump said that he “would be honored” to be a moderator. “I think if they wanted me to, I would love to be the mediator or arbitrator.”

Haley’s comments were in response to a question from a reporter at her news conference on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of April. The reporter pointed out that India does not want a mediator for talks with Pakistan, while Islamabad wanted the U.S. or another country to facilitate talks, and asked if the U.S. would get the leaders of the two countries to meet.

Her statement about India-Pakistan relations, therefore, is important, and is the first high-level Trump administration statement on India’s relationship with Pakistan. While it is not clear what steps the U.S. could take, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Trump in Washington in May where the two could potentially discuss the matter.

“We don’t think we should wait until something happens,” Haley said. “We very much think we should be pro-active in what we are seeing, tensions rise and conflicts seem to bubble up and so we want to see if we can be a part of that. So, that will be something you will see, that is something that members of the National Security Council participate in,” she said

Haley also said that she sounds strong because that’s how her Sikh parents raised her in Punjab. She said she does her “job to the best of my abilities and if that comes out blunt, comes out strong, I am one of two brothers and a sister and my parents raised us all to be strong.”

Her father Ajit Singh Randhwa, is from Amritsar district. He is an agriculture science professor. Her mother is Raj Kaur Randhwa. One of her brothers, Mitti Randhwa, was an Army officer who saw action in Operation Desert Storm, 1990-91, leading a company tasked with finding chemical weapons.

Just over two months into her office as the first Indian American to be appointed to a cabinet-level position, she has made waves by calling a spade a spade. She has called the UN Human Rights Council “corrupt”, the UN of being a partner of a “corrupt” government, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a “war criminal”, and declared she was free to “beat up on Russia”.

And she perceives her job as shaking up the UN and pulling it by its purse strings, kicking and screaming, to carry out reforms.

21-yr-old Chetan Hebbur to run for NY City Council

April 9, 2017 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Chetan Hebbur is giving a run for New York City Council. A New York University senior, 21, Hebbur wants a shot at succeeding Rosie Mendez, who is term-limited out. “The city needs younger voices who represent change,” he told the media. Hebbur, who expects to earn his bachelor’s degree from NYU in 2017, said in a New York Post report that the city needs younger voices who represent change.

Hebbur, an Indian American student majoring in mathematics and economics at New York University, has announced he is running for the New York City Council District 2 seat. If he wins, the Democrat would tie former Bronx Councilman Joel Rivera for the title of youngest city lawmaker in Big Apple history. Rivera was 22 when he was elected in 2001. The budding politico plans to rely on his fellow students to secure a spot on the ballot to represent the East Village, Lower East Side and Murray Hill. “You only need a tiny slice of the pie and there are 50,000 students at NYU,” Hebbur said.

Hebbur, a Democrat, is counting on his fellow classmates to earn a spot on the ballot for the District 2 seat representing the East Village, Lower East Side and Murray Hill, which will become open as incumbent Rosie Mendez is termed out. A Dallas native, Hebbur works as a marketing consultant at Toews Corporation in New York. He announced his candidacy for the council in March.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Hebbur has intentions of rebuilding the city’s critical infrastructure while sending a clear message of the need for fact-based politics in America. “My time at NYU has made me attached to the area and community, and changes need to be made,” he said in his profile.

Added Hebbur in the report, “I want to get my peers on the same page and actively make a difference in our community,” adding that he hopes to change NYU students’ anger at President Donald Trump through a local movement.

Among the issues Hebbur is campaigning to resolve, if elected, are implementing a fact-based policy, a review of all public health legislation, supporting nonprofits and advocacy groups, and supporting criminal justice. He hopes to launch an online portal for people to vote on policy proposals, and to measure local support for each piece of legislation, the Post reported.

Hebbur, who is running a grassroots campaign, criticized the current council for proposing progressive policies but not executing them, according to the report. He cited the Save a Life, Carry Naloxone campaign, which touted expanding access to the life-saving overdose antidote to 700 pharmacies, it added.

“I plan to do things differently and create change,” the Dallas native said. He wants to transform NYU students’ anger at President Trump into a local movement. “I want to get my peers on the same page and actively make a difference in our community,” he said.

He wants to use the internet and social media to create more government transparency. He hopes to launch an online portal for people to vote on policy proposals, and to measure local support for each piece of legislation.

Hebbur also believes in a “grass-roots approach” to his campaign. That means he has no money. “We already have a full staff pro bono, and when I meet officials for lunches, they usually offer to pay anyways,” he joked. New York’s primary election is Sept. 12 with the general election slated for Nov. 7.

Hirsh Vardhan Singh enters New Jersey Governor’s race

April 7, 2017 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Hirsh Vardhan Singh, a successful businessman and engineer, will announce his run for Governor of the Great State of New Jersey. A Republican, Singh said he believes the state has been suffering due to petty partisanship and offers a bold vision to improve the lives of New Jersey residents through the Fairness Formula, strategic infrastructure development, medical malpractice and tort reform, tax cuts for small businesses and the legalization of cannabis, according to a statement from his campaign office.

Hirsh explains his main concerns from the highest property taxes nationwide, to a lack of well-paying manufacturing jobs, below par K-12 education, and State over-regulation, which have harmed the realization of the American Dream by attacking social mobility. He will explain his plan to bridge the gaps of division in the state.

Hirsh is a product of New Jersey. He grew up in Atlantic County, New Jersey and earned an engineering degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Hirsh is a results-driven leader who directs and manages small and large teams of corporations providing the most cutting edge engineering solutions and services nationwide across civilian and defense government agencies.

Last week, on February 21, Hirsh addressed the Ocean County GOP – one of the most influential county organizations in New Jersey. In his speech, Hirsh pointed out that problems faced by New Jersey are a result of a flawed philosophy of government held by state leaders, and believes the solution has always been right in front in the state motto: Liberty and Prosperity. Through Liberty we attain Prosperity.

As New Jersey Governor, Hirsh plans to work tirelessly to bring prosperity back, fix the state’s sky rocketed property tax, the broken education system, fix transportation infrastructure, and make New Jersey a national leader in technological innovation.

Singh will focus his campaign on fixing property taxes, wages of manufacturing jobs, K-12 education and state overregulation, the campaign team said. The candidate added that state overregulation has harmed the realization of the American Dream by attacking social mobility.

The New Jersey primary is on June 6, 2017. Voting information can be found at http://singhfornewjersey.com/vote/.

Indian Americans in Connecticut raise funds for Dr. Prasad Srinivasan’s Gubernatorial Bid in Republican Primary

April 7, 2017 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Indian Americans have come together to raise funds for Connecticut State Representative Dr. Prasad Srinivasan’s Gubernatorial Bid Republican Primary. Fund raisers are being held across the state by the community. According to Dr. Srinivasan, the support has been overwhelming which has enabled the campaign to show a strong report for the quarter ending March 31st. The fund raising event in Stamford, on Friday, March 24th, was hosted by Dr. Thomas Abraham, Ravi Nichani, Anita Bhat and Viresh Sharma.

Dr. Srinivasan is currently serving his fourth term as the State Representative from Glastonbury. He is the Assistant Republican Leader and is the Ranking member of the Public Health Committee. He also serves in the Environment and Judiciary Committees. He serves on the Health Information Technology Council and as Co-Chair of the National Health Policy Council. A. medical practitioner in the Greater Hartford area since 1980, Dr. Srinivasan was named “Top Doctor” by Connecticut Magazine, eighth year in a row. Connecticut’s Fairfield Medical County Association established a Prasad Srinivasan Award for medical advocacy.

In terms of community involvement, Dr. Srinivasan had established the Prasad Family Foundation in 1999 to promote Education and donates Legislative Salary for worthy causes. He also serves as Ambassador of Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and as a Corporator for Hartford Hospital.

A physician by profession, Srinivasan opposed the legalization of cannabis for medical use in 2012, saying he believed in its efficacy, but was troubled by questions of practicality. But he relented in 2016 and voted to expand the law to allow the limited use of cannabis to treat children with conditions not treatable by conventional means.

He voted against repeal of the death penalty in 2012. He supported passage of the sweeping gun-control law passed in 2013 in response to the Sandy Hook School shooting of 26 children and staff. “I am old enough,” he said, “and I am young enough.”

An eloquent speaker and totally committed to high ideals in public and private life, Dr. Srinivasan has been serving as the Assistant Republican leader in the House, a Ranking member of the Public Health Committee, and a National Co-Chair of the Health Policy Council. He has been presented with numerous awards for his legislative leadership. He was the Top Doctor 7th year in a row by Connecticut Magazine.

Prasad Srinivasan is married to Mrs. Kala Prasad, a professional musician for over 30 years. Their two children graduated from Glastonbury High school. Son, Sashank Prasad, M.D., is Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. Sashank’s wife, Kerry, is a high school teacher by profession, currently a stay home mom taking care of their two children. Daughter, Anusha Prasad-Rodriguez is the Head of Alternate Investments at Oppenheimer. Her husband, Paul, is a manager at Analysis Group, Inc. They have two daughters.

Meeting with Sen. Sanders, Ambassador Sarna discusses bilateral ties

April 7, 2017 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

The Indian Ambassador to the United States Navtej Sarna met with Sen. Bernie Sanders and discussed bilateral ties between India and the United States. A tweet by the Indian Embassy in the US on Wednesday, last week said: “Ambassador Navtej Sarna warmly received by Sen. Bernie Sanders; enjoyed discussing positive outlook for Indian economy, strong #IndiaUSbonds & shared regional perspectives.”

According to the Indian Embassy, the Sarna-Sanders meeting was restricted primarily to discussions on US-India relationship and the Indian economy. Sarna, who only recently presented his credentials on Capitol Hill, has been making the rounds with various US legislators.

Sanders, who is the longest-serving independent in the US congressional history, had lost to his fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton during the 2016 Democratic primaries. He is now serving his term in the US Senate after winning re-election in 2012 with 71 per cent of the vote.

The left-leaning socialist values Sanders and President Donald Trump are on opposite sides when it comes to some of the major decisions taken by the latter. Sanders, who was the top contender to eventual Democratic Party nominee in the party primaries for the presidential elections, had attacked Trump’s position on climate change and called it “pathetic and an embarrassment to the world”.

Ambassador of India Navtej Sarna hosted a reception for a record 26 Governors of the States of the US at his residence on February 24 in Washington, DC. The gathering of governors from across the nation, representing both the major political parties, described as the first of its nature held in recent years, was attended by a record number of Governors, including Governors of Virginia, Nevada, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Guam, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virgin Islands, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Senior representatives of Governors of California, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania were also in the audience.

Deepak Chopra asks Trump to have his mental health evaluated

March 30, 2017 Ajay GhoshProfiles, U.S. 0

Prominent Indian American author and spiritual guru Deepak Chopra, who is known around the world as a leader of alternative medicine, has voiced his concerns about President Donald Trump’s mental health. Chopra appealed to Trump directly, asking the president to quell his fears by submitting himself to a mental health evaluation.

Chopra had said in the past that then-candidate Donald Trump suffers from “very poor self-esteem,” comparing his emotional development to that of a three-year-old child, has now questioned the president’s mental health. Deepak Chopra took to Twitter “I say this with trepidation. Is @POTUS brain impaired? If so what does this mean for the future of the world? What can we do? God bless,” he tweeted Monday.

He directed his second tweet on the subject straight to Trump. “Dear @realDonaldTrump @POTUS Would you please submit to a psychiatric and neurological evaluation to restore our confidence. Thank you sir,” he wrote.

On March 19, in a series of cryptic messages, Chopra turned to neurologists to ask if “the symptoms of frontal lobe dementia include disinhibition, paranoia, compulsive behavior.” He added: “Should this be a national concern?”

He next tweeted this message at the president and theoretical physicist, cosmologist, best-selling author, science and public policy advocate Lawrence M: “Paranoia disinhibition and compulsive behavior can be symptoms of frontal lobe dementia. Neurologists pls advise.”

However, this is not the first time that Chopra has expressed “concern” over the president’s mental health. In an interview with Fox News Radio host Alan Colmes in June 2016, Chopra had called Trump “belligerent” and “emotionally retarded.”

“He is unfortunately, and you know I would never say this unless I believe it to be 100 percent true, but he represents the racist, the bigot, the one who is prejudiced, the one who is full of fear and hatred,” he said, adding that he was “fearful of what would happen to the U.S. and the rest of the forbid if, God forbid, he became president.”

Amul R. Thapar nominated to top judicial post by Trump

March 29, 2017 Staff ReporterProfiles, U.S. 0

Indian American Judge Amul R. Thapar of Kentucky has been nominated by President Donald J. Trump on March 20, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. If confirmed, Amul R. Thapar of Kentucky will serve as a Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

The son of Indian-American immigrants, Judge Thapar serves on the District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. With his 2008 nomination by President George W. Bush and subsequent confirmation and appointment, Judge Thapar became the nation’s first Article III judge of South Asian descent.

Before his service on the bench, he was the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Before that, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Ohio and the District of Columbia. He began his legal career in private practice, after clerkships with Judge S. Arthur Spiegel on the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and then with Judge Nathaniel R. Jones of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Judge Thapar received his BS from Boston College in 1991 and his JD from the University of California, Berkeley.

Welcoming Trump’s decision, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said, “I applaud the President for announcing his intent to nominate my friend, Judge Amul Thapar, to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Throughout his already impressive career of public service, Amul has shown an incredible intellect and an unshakable dedication to the law. He has earned the respect of his colleagues, and I know that he will bring to the Sixth Circuit the same wisdom, fairness, and ability that he has shown on the District Court. President Trump made an outstanding choice and I look forward to the Senate’s confirmation of Judge Thapar.”

Preet Bharara’s investigation of HHS Secretary Tom Price cost him job

March 23, 2017 Ajay GhoshProfiles, U.S. 0

Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who was removed from his post by the Trump administration on March 11, was overseeing an investigation into stock trades made by the president’s health secretary, according to a person familiar with the office.

According to reports, Tom Price, head of the Department of Health and Human Services, came under scrutiny during his confirmation hearings for investments he made while serving in Congress. The Georgia lawmaker traded hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of shares in health-related companies, even as he voted on and sponsored legislation affecting the industry.

Price testified at the time that his trades were lawful and transparent. Democrats accused him of potentially using his office to enrich himself. One lawmaker called for an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, citing concerns Price could have violated the STOCK Act, a 2012 law signed by President Obama that clarified that members of Congress cannot use nonpublic information for profit and requires them to promptly disclose their trades.

The investigation of Price’s trades by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which hasn’t been previously disclosed, was underway at the time of Bharara’s dismissal, someone familiar with the investigation was reported to have said.

Asked about this report during an appearance today on ABC News’ “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” Tom Price said he and his lawyers haven’t received any indication of a federal investigation into his stock trades. “I know nothing about that whatsoever,” Price said.

In December, the Wall Street Journal reported that Price traded more than $300,000 worth of shares in health companies over a recent four-year period, while taking actions that could have affected those companies. Price, an orthopedic surgeon, chaired the powerful House Budget Committee and sat on the Ways and Means Committee’s health panel.

Bharara was one of 46 U.S. attorneys asked to resign after Trump took office. It is standard for new presidents to replace those officials with their own appointees. But Bharara’s firing came as a surprise because the president had met with him at Trump Tower soon after the election. As he left that meeting, Bharara told reporters Trump asked if he would be prepared to remain in his post, and said that he had agreed to stay on.

When the Trump administration instead asked for Bharara’s resignation, the prosecutor refused, and he said he was then fired. Trump has not explained the reversal, but Bharara fanned suspicions that his dismissal was politically motivated via his personal Twitter account.

Along with the Price matter, Bharara’s former office is investigating allegations relating to Fox News, and has been urged by watchdog groups to look into payments Trump has received from foreign governments through his Manhattan-based business. Bharara’s former deputy, Joon Kim, is now in charge of the office, but Trump is expected to nominate his replacement.

The crusading prosecutor – dubbed the “sheriff of Wall Street” – was the only Indian American U.S. attorney in the nation. Acting deputy Attorney General Dana Boente had called US Attorney Preet Bharara and told him President Trump was firing him, hours after he announced he would not resign under the guidance of a directive issued a day earlier by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Responding to his firing, the crusader on corruption, said, “By the way,” Bharara said in a second tweet, “now I know what the Moreland Commission must have felt like.” Bharara was referring to a commission that was launched by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2013 to investigate state government corruption, only to be disbanded by the governor the next year as its work grew close to his office. “I did not resign. Moments ago I was fired. Being the U.S. Attorney in SDNY will forever be the greatest honor of my professional life no matter what else I do or how long I live,” Bharara tweeted mid-morning March 11. “One hallmark of justice is absolute independence, and that was my touchstone every day that I served,” Bharara said.

Indian American group to organize events in US to help prevent hate crimes

March 23, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

A Chicago-based Indian-American Public Affairs Committee (IAPAC) has launched a campaign across the US to spread awareness about hate crimes against the community. The committee plans to organize a series of grass root events and town halls across the country. “There is a need to bring understanding about the people of Indian-American and represent their interests,” Ashwani Dhall, one of the founding members of IAPAC, said in a statement.

The group plans to launch a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the Indian Diaspora in the United States – the intrinsic part they pay in contributing to society and the economy, and subsequently to help cut down hate crimes against the community.

IAPAC touts itself as a bipartisan and grassroots organization to advocate and safeguard the India-US relationship and the interests of Indian Americans. IAPAC hopes to spread the word about how Indian Americans have been an intrinsic part of the American fabric for more than 100 years, according to a statement.

The core feature of the initiative would be events organized by the IAPAC in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Dallas and Seattle. “By bringing together elected officials, local and business leaders and the media, the aim is to assure the Indian-American community that incidents like the hate-crime in Kansas City are not tolerated or repeated,” the statement said.

IAPAC wants to ensure that correct information about any existing policies is disseminated to people and there is no room left for rumors, it said.

“It was heartening to hear President Donald Trump denounce the Kansas City incident right at the start of his address to the Congress,” said Vinesh Virani, president of IAPAC. “We have hope that the current administration will work to bring everyone together.”

He added: “We are a group of people of Indian-origin who are doctors, small business owners, hoteliers, IT professionals, executives, essentially people from all fields, who had been closely involved in the local politics during last year’s general elections.”

Though IAPAC has not termed itself as a political committee, it seems to be on the lines of the Israeli American Political Action Committee, which also is one of the biggest lobbying groups on Capitol Hill. It’s important that local Indian American groups all over the US follow the same initiative by IAPAC and create more awareness in their local communities.

New Jersey seniors to hold annual convention in August

March 15, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

The Federation of Indo-American Seniors Associations of North America will hold its annual convention from Aug. 25-27. The announcement was made by President Popat Patel at a FISANA meeting held last month at Gurudev restaurant in Rahway, New Jersey.

In his speech, Poptal Patel promised to bring FISANA to a higher level than where it stands now and announced a bigger and more colorful convention for this year.

The president also introduced Dhiren Parikh, who highlighted future programs and asked all members their inputs to be forwarded to Ratilal Patel or Popat Patel.

Women’s Wing Chair Bina Joshi of the Indo-American Seniors Association of Woodbridge township requested all FISANA members to donate new and used clothes for women and girls for a container she is shipping to Gujarat.

Preet Bharara fired after refusing Trump Administration’s order to resign

March 15, 2017 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has been fired by the Trump administration after refusing an order to resign. Bharara was one of the 46 Obama-appointed federal prosecutors who were told to submit their resignations on Friday, March 10th by the Justice Department, and he confirmed that he both refused to resign, and was then fired, in a tweet on Saturday, March 11th.

Bharara was appointed by Obama in 2009, and has earned the reputation of a “crusader” prosecutor. The 48-year-old Bharara has made a national and international mark for himself with many high-profile cases and investigations including foreign countries, insider trading and those involving US politicians.

The Trump administration had sought the resignations of 46 attorneys, who were appointed by former President Barack Obama. Defending the move, a White House statement said that both the George W Bush and Bill Clinton administrations made similar requests at the beginning of their term. In all there are 93 US attorneys. Many of them have already left their positions, but 46 attorneys who stayed on in the first weeks of the Trump administration have been asked by US Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign “in order to ensure a uniform transition,” Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said on Friday.

“I did not resign. Moments ago I was fired. Being the U.S. Attorney in SDNY will forever be the greatest honor of my professional life no matter what else I do or how long I live,” Bharara tweeted mid-morning March 11. “One hallmark of justice is absolute independence, and that was my touchstone every day that I served,” he added.

“By the way, now I know what the Moreland Commission must have felt like,” Bharara tweeted a day later, referring to an independent body set up by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to investigate political corruption. The commission was abruptly disbanded a year later.

Bharara’s firing came only two days after reports emerged that his office had been asked by watchdog groups to investigate whether President Donald Trump’s business ties with foreign governments violated the Constitution.

Shortly after Trump was elected last November, Bharara met with him at Trump Towers in New York City. “We had a good meeting. I said I would absolutely consider staying on. I agreed to stay on,” Bharara told reporters after the meeting. Bharara said he had also met earlier with Sessions who had asked him to stick on in his role. “He also asked that I stay on, and so I expect that I will be continuing,” he had told reporters.

The president had uncharacteristically placed a call to Bharara’s office on March 9th, according to a report in The New York Times. Ethics protocols restrict communications between the White House and prosecutors, and Bharara told the newspaper he called the White House back to say the Attorney General’s office had advised him not to speak directly with the president, in keeping with ethics protocols. “The president reached out to Preet Bharara on Thursday to thank him for his service and to wish him good luck,” Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a White House spokeswoman, said in an email to The Times.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-New York, praised Bharara in a statement March 11. “His relentless drive to root out public corruption, lock up terrorists, take on Wall Street, and stand up for what is right should serve as a model for all U.S. attorneys across the country. He will be sorely missed,” said Schumer. Bharara had worked as Schumer’s chief counsel for four years and the senator had recommended him for the post. Interestingly, after his appointment to the U.S. attorney’s office, Bharara had launched an investigation into one of Schumer’s donors.

During his seven years in the role, Bharara prosecuted several high-profile businessmen involved in insider trading, including former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta, McKinsey senior partner Anil Kumar, and Galleon Group founder Raj Rajaratnam.

Bharara filed charges against Indian diplomat Khobragade in 2014 alleging that she committed visa fraud by lying on her employer contract about under-paying her Indian maid, Sangeeta Richard. Bharara’s office was currently investigating claims into possible fraud in fundraising for New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat. He is also investigating whether aides to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, also a Democrat, were involved in bribery and bid-rigging.

Bharara’s office convicted ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former Senate majority leader Dean Skelos of corruption in separate trials last year. Bharara previously served as Assistant United States Attorney in Manhattan for five years, taking on the Mafia, as well as Asian gangs.

Vichal Kumar, president of the South Asian Bar Association of North America, is reported to have stated in a statement, that Bharara’s legacy is one South Asian legal professionals and the greater legal community can only hope to emulate. His dedication to public service throughout his career is exemplified by his devotion to protecting the rights of all communities and not shying away from the toughest challenges. “We are proud of his accomplishments and wish him the best of luck,” Kumar added.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Dianne Feinstein, said she is surprised to hear that Trump and Sessions have abruptly fired all 46 remaining US attorneys. “At a time when Attorney General Sessions has recused himself from major investigations into the Trump campaign, the independence of federal prosecutors could not be more important. That’s why many of us have called for the appointment of a special prosecutor,” she said, and added, “Under previous administrations, orderly transitions allowed US attorneys to leave gradually as their replacements were chosen. This was done to protect the independence of our prosecutors and avoid disrupting ongoing federal cases.”

Sikh man’s shooting in Washington investigated as hate crime

March 15, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

It was yet another incident, where the shooter shouted: “Go back to your country,” at a Sikh man, Deep Rai, and shooting and injuring him on Friday, March 10^th in a suburb of Seattle, WA. According to news reports, the gunman – who is still at large – told him to “go back to your own country.” Local authorities have confirmed that the shooting is being investigated as a potential hate crime.

Working with local Sikh community members in Washington, the Sikh Coalition has helped facilitate widespread local and national media coverage and worked with local, state and federal officials, urging them to: conduct a thorough hate crime investigation; improve laws and regulations relating to bias prevention; organize Know Your Rights forums to build resilience in targeted communities; partner with Sikh Americans to expand Sikh awareness and appreciation; and, the Sikh Coalition has urged the Sikhs around the world to practice their faith fearlessly.

Meanwhile, thousands Have Joined the #LoveMyNeighbor Campaign. The U.S. government’s orders on immigration continue to fan the flames of xenophobic backlash. In addition to backlash against Sikhs, threats and violence have targeted Muslim and Jewish communities. It is for this reason that the Sikh Coalition has partnered with Auburn Seminary to launch an interfaith letter-writing campaign to show our solidarity with both communities. This initiative emphasizes to our American Muslim and Jewish classmates, neighbors and colleagues that we are strongest as a nation when we stand together. #LoveMyNeighbor.

USCIS wants legal aliens to carry documents, or else be fined, jailed

March 15, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has ruled that Green Card holders and visa holders, like those on H-1B, L-1, J or F-1, H4 visa, and even those having an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) must carry legal documents papers when traveling in and out of the country and at all times within the United States, or face the risk of being fined or imprisoned, or even both.

With a large-scale immigration crackdown on undocumented foreigners imminent after President Donald Trump’s new executive orders, it’s important for all documented residents in the US to keep proof of their legal status in the country.

And for those in the pipeline for a Green Card, a misdemeanor charge could have terrible repercussions when it comes to being adjudicated for legal permanent resident status. The same applies for Green Card holders who wish to become US citizen.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services rule states: ‘Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d). Any alien who fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction for each offense be fined not to exceed $100 or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.’

Another sub-section of the rule says: ‘Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General is authorized to require any alien to provide the alien’s social security account number for purposes of inclusion in any record of the alien maintained by the Attorney General or the Service.’

USCIS suspends Premium Processing for All H-1B Petitions

March 15, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Starting April 3, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions, a statement issued by the USCIS stated. This suspension may last up to 6 months. While H-1B premium processing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker which requests the H-1B nonimmigrant classification. We will notify the public before resuming premium processing for H-1B petitions.

The premium processing service allows an applicant or his potential employer to pay $1,225 to receive a response to his petition within 15 days. If USCIS has not responded within 15 days, the fee is refunded, though the application still receives expedited processing, according to a bulletin issued by the agency March 3. H-1B visas are used by U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers, most often from India, in specialty occupations.

“This temporary suspension will help us to reduce overall H-1B processing times. By temporarily suspending premium processing, we will be able to process long-pending petitions, which we have currently been unable to process due to the high volume of incoming petitions and the significant surge in premium processing requests over the past few years; and prioritize adjudication of H-1B extension of status cases that are nearing the 240 day mark,” said the agency in a bulletin.

USCIS has said the temporary suspension of premium processing could last as long as six months. The agency has said it will reject any form I-907 – request for premium processing – filed with an H-1B petition. If a check is issued to cover both applications, USCIS noted it will have to reject the H-1B application as well.

“Since FY18 cap-subject H-1B petitions cannot be filed before April 3, this suspension will apply to all petitions filed for the FY18 H-1B regular cap and master’s advanced degree cap exemption (the ‘master’s cap’),” noted USCIS, adding that the suspension also applies to petitions that may be cap-exempt.

H-1B petitioners can still expedite their applications if they meet one of the following criteria: a severe financial loss to company or person; an emergency situation; humanitarian reasons; a non-profit organization whose work benefits the cultural and social interests of the U.S., certain Defense Department situations; or USCIS errors. Such requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The temporary suspension does not apply to other non-immigrant classifications.

New Leadership team takes charge at Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America (MMNA)

March 11, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Vikas Bhutada (from Michigan) has been unanimously elected as the New President of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of MMNA (Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America) for the four year (2017- 2020) term. A newly elected 9 member team of NEC represents different regional chapters of MMNA in USA and Canada. The leadership team at MMNA is elected by the life members of MMNA as per the election guidelines and the bylaws. Shyam Maheshwari (from Michigan) has been elected as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of MMNA for a 2 year term. A 10 member team of BoT manages the bylaws and provides overall governance.

Highlighting the “Vision 2020” for MMNA, Vikas has defined a roadmap for the next 4 years for MMNA. He has reiterated MMNA’s commitment to its ongoing initiatives for Women Empowerment (SAKHI), Youth ( RAYS), Matrimonial matchmaking and Education Support to needy students in the community. In addition, MMNA would also start new efforts to support its Senior Citizens in the community; promote business – entrepreneurship in the community; and launch the MMNA digital initiative to enable enhanced fellowship amongst its members and efficient implementation of its planned initiatives. Importantly, as per the new vision, MMNA will also significantly enhance its outreach and philanthropic activities in the local communities where its regional chapters are located in North America.

MMNA also organizes its flagship biannual International Maheshwari Rajasthani Convention (IMRC) in North America, that is widely attended by its members and the international community. The next IMRC is expected to take place in the second half of 2018.

MMNA NEC Team members include Jitendra Muchhal, Mukul Rathi, Lata Maheshwari , Abhilasha Rathi,Ashish Daga,Vijayshri Choudhary,Baldev Bhojwani,Rajesh Rathi & Arun Mundra. MMNA BoT Team members include Sushma Pallod, Suresh Deopura, Giridhar Heda, Rajesh Kabra, Vinod Maheshwari, Ghanshyam Heda, Dev Maheshwari, Ghanshyam Birla and PJRathi. For more information about MMNA and its activities, please visit www.mmna.org

The ‘Domestic Violence Green Card’: Immigrant Visa Petitions for Victims

March 1, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

If you’re the victim of domestic violence and you’re not a United States citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to file your own application for what is commonly called a “domestic violence green card.” Typically, green cards (permanent resident status documents) are obtained when a family member or an employer sponsors an immigrant’s application to reside in the United States on a permanent or long-term basis.

However, if you’re residing in the U.S. and suffering as a victim of domestic violence, you are able to self-petition for a green card under a provision of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). If you’re not currently residing in the U.S. but your abuser is an employee of the U.S. government or a member of the uniformed services, you can still file for your own green card if you were abused by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident while present in the United States. Finally, if you’re an illegal immigrant suffering domestic violence, you aren’t immediately eligible for the “domestic violence green card” but you can still receive protection from the government if you qualify for a special non-immigrant visa called a U visa.

The U visa doesn’t grant you automatic access to government benefits, but you’ll become eligible for consideration for benefits by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department (USCIS). For more information on the U visa, visit the USCIS website or U.S. Immigration Support.

A federal immigration form that allows some immigrant domestic violence survivors on H4 visa to apply for independent Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is being applauded by Indian-American advocacy organizations. According to activists this is the final step to activate Section 814(c) of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2005 which was intended to address this problem. It was announced on the last day of the Obama administration Jan. 19, and the Trump administration let it stand on Feb. 14 after a review.

Section 814(c) amended the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide eligibility for employment authorization to certain abused spouses of non-immigrants admitted under 15 separate immigration categories. More than 10 years later, the final rule implementing this section has finally become effective, advocates say.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Form I-765V, “Application for Employment Authorization for Abused Nonimmigrant Spouse,” Jan. 19. The document, which is available on the USCIS website (uscis.gov/i-765v), is confidential, thus preventing the abuser from learning of the application and helping an applicant gain security and independence.

New Jersey on verge of becoming first state in US to prohibit marriage before the age of 18

February 17, 2017 Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, U.S. 0

New Jersey is on the verge of becoming the first state in the United States to prohibit anyone younger than 18 from getting married. At present, children ages 16 and 17 may marry with parental consent. Also, children under 16 may marry if they obtain parental consent and a state judge’s approval.

The New Jersey state Senate committee approved a bill on Monday to that effect. If passed, the bill (A3091) would make New Jersey the first state in the nation to remove all exceptions to the law that says people must be 18 years old to get married, reported NJ Advanced Media. The measure passed the state Assembly, 64-0, in November, and Monday’s action sets up a vote for final passage in the full Senate.

Fraidy Reiss of Westfield, founder and executive director of Unchained At Last, a non-profit organization that helps young women and girls leave forced marriages, was quoted as saying the problem is more widespread than people think. Between 1995 and 2012, 3,500 minors got married in New Jersey — some as young as 13. “Some had an age difference (large enough) to make it statutory rape,” Reiss told the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The practice is driven by some religiously conservative parents “who do not want their child to have boyfriends or to go to college unattended,” Abed Awad, a legal expert from Hasbrouck Heights who is an expert in religious law, testified. “They want control and decide who their child marries at a young age,” rather than allowing their child to mature and decide, ‘I’m in New Jersey, I’m an American, I’m going to college. I am going to decide who I marry.”

There is some opposition to the measure. State Sen. Michael Doherty (R-Warren), who voted against the bill, insisted there should be exceptions to the law, arguing for people enlisting in the military, saying they often marry young. He also raised the possibility of teenage girls who get pregnant before the age of 18, want to tie the knot, and would find it hard to get health insurance on her own. However, the committee voted 10-1 to pass the bill, with state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth) abstaining.

H-4 Visa holders likely to lose work permit under Trump Executive Order

February 15, 2017 Ajay GhoshBusiness, India, U.S. 0

Indian Americans overwhelmingly use H1-B or the work visa. Most recently, under Obama administration their spouses, who are on H-4 visa were allowed to work. However, things are changing with the new Trump administration at the healm and Republicans and some Democratic lawmakers consider that high-tech Indian workers are stealing away American jobs.

The Trump administration, media reports suggest, has launched a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s immigration policies, especially on the H-4 visa holders — spouses of H-1B visa-holders. According to a report, the Trump administration is reviewing a 2014 Obama ruling that allowed those in the country on H4 visas to work beginning mid-2015.
President Donald Trump said to be considering an executive order that would rescind employment authorization for H-4 visa holders, leaving 180,000 women, mostly from India, frantic about their ability to continue to work in the U.S.
H-4 visas are given to the spouses of H-1B visa holders, highly-skilled foreign workers, the majority of whom are from India. Until 2015, H-4 visa holders – who often had skill levels comparable to their spouses – were not allowed to work. In 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that some H-4 visa holders, whose spouses were on track for permanent residency in the U.S., would be able to work.
“Allowing the spouses of these visa holders to legally work in the United States makes perfect sense,” USCIS Director León Rodríguez said in February 2015. “It helps U.S. businesses keep their highly skilled workers by increasing the chances these workers will choose to stay in this country during the transition from temporary workers to permanent residents. It also provides more economic stability and better quality of life for the affected families.”
At a press briefing on February 8th organized by New America Media, Sally Kinoshita, deputy director of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, told reporters that a leaked memo from the Trump administration proposes to end work authorization for H-4 visa holders. “H-4s are vulnerable because the Department of Homeland Security extended work permits to them under the regulations in 2015 and this draft memo seeks to rescind those regulations,” she said.
A leaked draft of an executive order titled “Protecting American jobs and workers by strengthening the integrity of foreign worker visa programs” appeared on the New York Times Web site Jan. 27. In the draft, Trump proposes sweeping changes to several highly-skilled foreign worker visa programs, including H-1B workers.

New US report exposes India’s mistreatment of minorities

February 15, 2017 Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

India fails to comply with international standards on freedom of religion leading to the discrimination and persecution of religious minorities, said a new report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

The report, “Constitutional and Legal Challenges Faced by Religious Minorities in India” said that, although the country’s Constitution guarantees equal rights to religious minorities, the government fails to comply with international standards.

US Commission on International Religious Freedom
(http://www.uscirf.gov/) has asked newly-appointed President Donald Trump to put
“religious freedom and human rights at the heart of all trade, aid, and diplomatic
interactions with India” and urge the Government of India “to push Indian
states that have adopted anti-conversion laws to repeal or amend them to
conform to international norms.”

In an unusually sharp critique of the BJP-led NDA government, the USCIRF
wants the US administration to identify and act against “Hindutva groups
that raise funds from US citizens and support hate campaigns in India”,
adding, “Such groups should be banned from operating in the US if they are found
to spread hatred against religious minorities in India.”

Referring to the March 2016 amendment to the FCRA, introduced “to legalize
funding by foreign entities to political parties”, the USCIRF states, “
The amendment enables foreign Hindu organizations to send money to
India-based radical Hindu organizations”.
It insists, these radical groups “have been seeking funds for the
controversial Ghar Wapsi campaign ”, launched by Hindutva groups to aggressively
oppose the right to convert to religions like Islam and Christianity.

Especially citing a report prepared by US-based South Asia Citizens Web
(SACW), “Hindu Nationalism in the United States”, USCIRF says, the report
refers “policies and actions of Hindu radical groups in the US, and covers
tax records, newspaper articles, and other sources on the NGOs in the US
affiliated with the Sangh Parivar … and BJP.”

USCIRF approvingly quotes the SACW report as saying, “India-based Sangh
affiliates receive social and financial support from its US-based wings, the
latter of which exist largely as tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the
US.”

SAWC, says USCIRF, identifies US-based organizations which carry out these
activities. These are “Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of
America, Sewa International USA, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation-USA, and the
Overseas Friends of the Bharatiya Janata Party-USA.”

USCIRF regrets, “While the Indian government continues to use the FCRA to
limit foreign funding for some NGOs, Hindutva supporter organizations have
never come under the scrutiny of the FCRA”, adding, “With the new
amendment to the FCRA, these foreign-based radical Hindu organizations will be able
to send funds to India, without restriction, to support hate campaigns.”

At the same time, the report states, the FCRA is being used against
organizations which take up human rights of minorities, pointing to how the Modi
government has been blocking funds “to hamper the activities of NGOs that
question or condemn the government or its policies”.

It also enumerates India’s failure to ensure the rights of Dalit people, those from socially and economically poor castes, once considered untouchables. “Religious minority communities and Dalits, both have faced discrimination and persecution due to a combination of overly broad or ill-defined laws, an inefficient criminal justice system, and a lack of jurisprudential consistency,” the report said.

Hindus form the majority 80 percent of India’s 1.2 billion people while Muslims form some 15 percent. Christians, the second largest religious minority, form just 2.3 percent. Dalits and tribal people make up 70 percent of India’s 27 million Christians.

In 2016, at least 10 Christians were killed and over 500 members of the community were attacked for their faith or for allegedly converting people to Christianity, said a report by the Catholic Secular Forum in January 2017.

“Symbolic and structural violence has increased in the country since 2014. The government needs to respond to such violence in a much more sensible way rather than denying it,” said Samuel Jaikumar of the National Council of Churches in India, a union of all Protestant and Orthodox Churches.

The U.S. report said that seven of the 29 states have adopted laws banning religious conversions, which has resulted in inequitable practices. The report said that state governments have described church humanitarian aid and development “as a cause of improper and unethical conversions.”

The report also said that India’s law to regulate foreign funding has consistently been used against civil society organizations, charities and other non-governmental organizations that question government policies.

In June 2015, India put the leading Christian charity, Caritas International, on its watch list. The charity, which is the social arm of the Vatican, was scrutinized for alleged “anti-India activities,” the report said.

With a special reference, in this context, to the clampdown on human
rights activist Teesta Setalvad for “violating” FCRA, the report praises her
for “campaigning to seek criminal charges against Indian officials, including
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their alleged involvement in the
anti-Muslim riots.”

Referring to the Indian Divorce Act 2001 that restricts inheritance, alimony payments, and property ownership of people from interfaith marriages, the report said the law is “problematic.”
“The act also interferes in the personal lives of Christians by not allowing marriage ceremonies to be conducted in a church if one of the partners is non-Christian,” it added.

The cow protection laws in India which restrict or ban cow slaughter are “often mixed with anti-Muslim sentiment,” the report said. Cow slaughter “has remained a perpetual source of tension between Hindu, Muslim and Dalit communities.”

In recommendation, it said that India should stop harassing groups, reform anti-conversion laws, and establish “a test of reasonableness” surrounding prohibitions on cow slaughter. It also asked India to adopt the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Hindu temple opens in California’s Santa Clarita

February 15, 2017 Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple Santa Clarita (SSVTSC), where the main deity is Lord Ganesh, had its grand-opening on February nine evening in Valencia neighborhood of Santa Clarita (California).

Mission of Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple of SSVTSC, a non-profit organization, is “to serve Santa Clarita community by offering a place to worship, practice spirituality, celebrate festivals and cultural activities”. It plans to have Ganesh Puja (worship) and other services every Saturday, besides various activities/programs for everyone round the year, including programs for children and charity food donations.

Temple opening puja was performed by priest Cherukupalli Narasimhacharya and Tyger White of Santa Clarita Valley Interfaith Council also participated in the celebrations. Temple leaders/volunteers reportedly include Mano Dhana, Suman Dutta, Prakash, Deepthi Rajaraaman, Gautam Deepthi, Kavitha Muru, Aparna Kiran, Vijay Sharma and Ritu Khadiya.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, commended efforts of temple leaders and area community towards realizing this Hindu temple. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

In Hinduism, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world has about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

Incorporated in 1987, City of Santa Clarita is claimed to be “one of the best places to live in California”. Notable people associated with it include Oscar winner filmmaker Tim Burton, Olympian gold medalists track-field sprinter Allyson Felix and swimmer Anthony Ervin, etc. Cameron Smyth and Dr. Kenneth W. Striplin are Mayor and City Manager respectively.

Prakash Patil is ‘Mr. United Nations 2016’

February 15, 2017 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Profiles, U.S. 0

Extraordinary talented and handsome International Model/Actor – Prakash Patil was nominated as Mr. USA from USA at United Nations Pageant World finals and brought home the winning title the “MR. United Nations 2016”. Pageant was held in Knutsford Court Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica country with contestants participating from many different countries across the world.

The United Nations Pageant has been conceptualized as a prestigious international event, bringing together representatives of a wide range of communities and cultures from all over the Globe; from the world’s most culturally diverse state, the delegates aim to share common values and foster international friendship and understanding. The pageant’s principal objective is to identify and showcase the world’s best tourism cause ambassadors; those who have the skills, talents and personalities best suited to promote their respective countries in furtherance of tourism, international goodwill and cultural harmony. Apart from a strong emphasis on goodwill tourism protection programs and destinations promotion.

Prakash was judged on different rounds namely High Fashion Wear, National Costume, Evening wear, Sportswear and Interview (Question and Answer) and charity work. During Interview round Prakash articulated with excellent social and conversational skills. He expressed himself clearly, diplomatically, and projected a pleasant personality, and approachable at all times. At National costume he worn outstanding Shervani (Sponsored by Vasavi Collections) a national symbols/heritage of his country. Prakash dignified spirit, energy, creativity and the own personal interpretation with sense of style. In Fashion Wear round Prakash had enlightening costume (Sponsored by Designer Mischka Velesco),his fashion & style on the runway was memorizing. He won Best High Fashion Award.

He is very well-renowned and commercially successful model as compared to other Indian Models in USA. He has accomplished so much in such a short span of time.

Prakash had worked on main stream American Modeling runway such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Couture New York Fashion Week, NYC Fashion Week, IIFA preview runway, Brooklyn Fashion Week and had been show stopper for high scale designers. Prakash has been featured in top notch magazines like Floss magazine, Moetic Magazine, Alize La Vie Magazine, Vicissitude Magazine, Black Tie International Magazine, globalfashionwire.com etc.

The recent title of Mr. United Nations has undoubtedly added another feather in his already decorated cap, which gives a moment of pride, not just to Prakash but to each and every one of us. Patil stands out from other models; because he has expanded his brand into other forms of entertainment, is professional under any and all circumstances; has incredible talent, class, and poise. Prakash is known not only for being attractive but also for knowing how to work all the angles. In addition, his talent, skill, looks; accomplishments, personal traits, and overall brand make him commercially more marketable and most successful amongst his Indian Model Peers in the USA.

As an Actor Prakash played a lead role in music video album for famous Bollywood singers Shreya Ghoshal and Pankaj Kumar which has more than 164,0000 views on youtube. Patil played a unique role as actor in films like The Other Side of New York, Spices of Liberty, They always Win and currently Brand ambassador for Lejubon Ties.

Prakash’s air fare around trip was sponsored by Aeroworld travel agency (www.aeroworldtravel.com) and is one of best travel agency to make your travel destinations a great pleasure. Prakash added, “I am very thankful to Mohinder Singh and Arora K Simi sponsoring and believing in me.”

The humble and soft-spoken Prakash gives all the credit of his success to his parents who live in India and Special thanks to Mr. Leon Williams (CEO & President of United Nations Pageants). After winning the most coveted title of Mr. United Nations, Prakash adds, “I wish to thank everyone for giving me such a great opportunity to showcase my talent across the globe. It is a great moment of glory as I am honored at such a prestigious event in front of such illustrious guests. I look forward to using this opportunity to achieve greater heights and giving back to those who have showered their love on me and believed in me. I will utilize my achievements for the welfare of people in the world and towards world peace.”

Sandeep Das and team wins 2017 Grammy for Album ‘Sing Me Home’

February 15, 2017 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, India, U.S. 0

Indian American tabla player Sandeep Das was part of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble that won a Grammy in the ‘Best World Music Album’ category for “Sing Me Home.” Yo-Yo Ma’s ‘Sing Me Home’ features tunes composed or arranged by different global artists as it examines the ever-changing idea of home.

The album was released to accompany a documentary on Ma’s project entitled ‘The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble’.

Apart from Ma and Das, musicians on the album include the New York-based Syrian clarinet player Kinan Azmeh, who was recently stranded overseas when US President Donald Trump imposed a ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Azmeh could return to country after a court rejected Trump’s travel ban order.

Das, who was dressed in red kurta, said the ensemble sent a powerful message of unity and respect for each other’s cultures.

“It is third time lucky for us. I am very proud of who I am and where I come from be it culturally or musically. I wish there were more acknowledgment from my own country for the music that is deep-rooted and in our blood over glitz and glamour,” Das told PTI over phone from Los Angeles just after his win.

“It is not a complaint but merely a wish. I hope there is more awareness about traditional music. I was invited to Harvard University but my alma mater Banaras Hindu University is yet to see something of worth in me.”

Das, who was dressed in a red kurta, said the ensemble sent a powerful message of unity and respect for each other’s cultures. “When things like this happen, it impacts us directly because a lot of us come from a lot of those countries,” Das told reporters after accepting the award. “In the current situation, I think we’ll keep playing more music and sharing more love.”

World Music category also included Anoushka Shankar’s “Land of Gold,” which is about the global refugee crisis. The 35-year-old Indian American musician was accompanied by her husband, British director Joe Wright, at the music ceremony. For a sixth time in a row after being nominated, Shankar did not win a Grammy.

Shankar, the daughter of famous sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, received her first ever Grammy nomination at the age of 20 but she is yet to bag an award despite multiple nominations.However, her late father won two individual Grammys as well as two in collaborations.

Lawmakers of Indian Origin critical of Trump’s immigration policy

February 15, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

Indian-American lawmakers have slammed US President Donald Trump for signing executive orders to reshape the country’s immigration policies, describing the move as “anti-immigrant” that will “tear apart” families.

Trump has escalated his anti-immigrants stand with a series of executive orders that will “tear families apart,” while weakening the public safety and national security, said Senator Kamala Harris, the first Indian-American to be elected to the upper chamber of the United States Congress.

Indian-American Senator Kamala D. Harris, D-California, a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, introduced her first piece of legislation Feb. 9, the Access to Counsel Act, that would guarantee those detained while attempting to enter the United States, access to legal counsel. It is doubtful this bill would be passed in a Republican-majority Senate. She was joined in the House of Representatives by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, who introduced companion legislation.

Harris said the reports of refugees, Green Card holders, and even U.S. citizens—many of whom women, elderly, or children— held for long periods of time, and denied access to volunteer lawyers, spurred her to introduce her first piece of legislation since she took office early january.

Despite temporary restraining orders against holding Legal Permanent Residents, accounts of protracted holding at ports of entry still came in, even after the reversal in the agencies’ policies, Harris said.

Rep. Jayapal’s companion legislation was co-signed in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. John Conyers, D-Michigan, Zoe Lofgren, D-California, Jerrold Nadler, D- New York, Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, Judy Chu, D-Ca., Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, Eric Swalwell, D-Cal., Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Cal., and Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-New Mexico.

“Creating a deportation force to target immigrant families who are contributing to our society is not a show of strength. Asking taxpayers to pay for an unrealistic border wall is not a solution. And telling cities to deny public safety, education, and health services to kids and families is irresponsible and cruel,” said Harris.

She said that the US was now “less safe” because of the “anti-immigrant” policies followed by the President. “Immigrants will report fewer crimes, more families will live in fear, and our communities and local economies will suffer,” Harris said.

Indian-American Seattle representative Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who has earlier announced not to attend Trump’s presidential inauguration, slammed the President for moving forward with his “divisive agenda” that will do nothing to solve the real immigration issues.

“He has doubled down on his agenda that pits mother against mother, neighbour against neighbour, tearing up the fabric of our communities,” Jayapal said.

“We must take on enacting comprehensive and humane reform of our broken immigration system – to support our economy, our communities and our families – but the President offers zero leadership in this area,” she said. “Instead of building walls, we should address the underlying systemic issues that drive immigration and fix our own outdated immigration system. Instead of banning refugees and people based on their religion, we should welcome them with open arms,” she said.

Jayapal said that as a world superpower it is US’s moral responsibility to provide a sanctuary to all who need it most. The lawmakers were also joined by Senator Chuck Schumer and Democratic Whip Congressman Steny H Hoyer in opposing Trump’s immigration policies.

“President Trump’s plans are based on alternative facts and do nothing to keep us safe or fix our immigration system in a humane, pragmatic and effective way,” Schumer said.

Madhuri Dixit launches Indian Academy Awards in California

February 15, 2017 Staff ReporterEntertainment, India, U.S. 0

Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit joined entertainment executives at a news conference to announce details of the first-ever Indian Academy Awards in July this year. Known for its entrepreneurship and technological innovation, Silicon Valley may soon find itself in the global spotlight courtesy of another industry — entertainment. India-based Cineyug and Brainstorm Entertainment have joined forces to bring to the audiences the first Indian Academy Awards.

With an aim to take Indian film industry closer to its global dream, at a press conference held Jan. 27 at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara, Calif., the organizers announced the unique selling proposition of these awards along with unveiling the flashy ‘Golden Knight’ trophy.

“Where else to do it than here in the Silicon Valley where Indians have put India on the global map? They have created so many disruptive things that have changed the way things work in the world and the way society and everything else is percieved,” said Dixi. “I’m so glad that we’re doing it here.”

Promising to bring “the best of Hollywood, Bollywood and Tollywood together to create history in the entertainment world,” the award ceremony is to be organized by Los Angeles-based Brainstorm Media.

“We wanted to create a platform for Indian cinema and world cinema,” said Vandana Krishna, co-founder of Brainstorm Entertainment. “The whole idea came when we were looking at cinema and how it was going global; we figured out that the Indian film industry is going global today. Therefore, the awards are a celebration, a dedication to this democratic academy. These awards are for the people, by the people and of the people.”

Announcing an open voting system, Krishna stressed that the voting process would be a “transparent, honest and an absolutely credible” one. “We will be doing a global voting to engage viewers across the world who are cinema lovers to vote and choose their favorite stars,” she said.

Global audiences will be a part of the jury, she said, inviting the fans to register and participate on www.indianacademyaward.com, where very soon they will be able to vote for their favorite films and stars in over 17 categories. A credible certifying agency will be auditing the entire process.

The awards, which will be hosted by none other than Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, will be a two-day extravaganza of live performances featuring top stars from Bollywood, South Indian cinema and Hollywood, which will be choreographed by contemporary dance guru Shiamak Davar along with music and fashion shows.

BAPS celebrates Indian-American culture at the Texas capitol building in Austin

February 15, 2017 Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha hosted a celebration of Indian-American culture at the historic Texas State Capitol in Austin earlier this month. The celebration was sponsored by State Representative Matt Rinaldi of House District 115, who represents a BAPS temple in Irving, Tex.

On the morning of Feb. 1, a group of BAPS representatives were recognized during the 85th Legislative regular session, where a resolution commemorating this inaugural event was read. The resolution also noted the myriad of contributions by Indian-Americans to the Lone Star State and lauded BAPS’ commitment to community service in Texas and across the nation, a BAPS press release said.

Throughout the day BAPS members from across Texas met with their respective state representatives and senators to share the background on the Hindu faith and on the Indian-American community’s history and growth.

Hosted by BAPS, at the historic Texas State Capitol on Feb. 1, State Representative Matt Rinaldi of House District 115 fondly spoke of the contributions of Indian-Americans to the Lone Star State.

“This event is not only a chance for Indian-Americans to learn about government, but also for their government to learn about Indian culture and to provide a learning experience for senators and representatives,” the press release quoted Rep. Rinaldi as saying.

Throughout the celebration, speakers shared their thoughts on the diverse contributions of Indian-Americans to the economic and cultural fabric of Texas. “We value what BAPS has done for our community, from its Walkathon to its Health Fair…BAPS works tirelessly to make Irving, Texas and our district a better place,” Rep. Rinaldi continued.

“I am honored to be here this evening. I know firsthand from my work and relationship with BAPS about what a great job it does and how it impacts thousands of lives across the state,” Chris Wallace, president of the Texas Association of Business said. His remarks highlighted the importance of nurturing and advancing the relationship between the growing population of over 275,000 Indian-Americans in Texas and the state government, the press release noted.

The program also touched on the role of the BAPS temples. “Inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, places of worship, such as the beautiful, hand-carved stone mandir in Stafford, Texas, reflects the diverse culture of our state and demonstrates that the contributions of the Indian-American diaspora go beyond simply the economic realm,” said Ketan Inamdar of Missouri City, Tex.

The current spiritual leader, Mahant Swami Maharaj, as always inspired the Indian- American community to celebrate our shared culture and develop a sense of identity and pride in our heritage, he said.

AARP Foundation offers Tax assistance

February 15, 2017 Staff ReporterCommunity, U.S. 0

WASHINGTON, February 9, 2017 – Beginning today through April 18, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 49th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, offering free tax preparation help to anyone, especially those who are 50 and older, who cannot afford a tax preparation service.

Some locations offer assistance in additional languages, including Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese. For more information or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site, visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). An appointment may be required.

“Our bilingual volunteers generously give their time to help taxpayers who don’t speak English or speak English as a second language prepare their returns,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “We need more bilingual volunteers so if you can help translate, please join our Tax-Aide volunteer team so that we can expand our services to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.”

Tax-Aide, which is offered free of charge, is available to AARP members and non-members and includes more than 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. Since 1968, Tax-Aide has helped nearly 50 million low- to moderate-income taxpayers.

In 2016, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped 2.7 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions and file their federal and state tax returns. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.41 billion in income tax refunds and more than $240 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is the affiliated charity of AARP.

Dance Pe Chance by FIA displays talents and creativity of young Indian Americans

February 9, 2017 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

The 68^th Republic Day of India was celebrated by the Federation of Indian Associations of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut with its annual much expected dance competition – Dance Pe Chance, a colorful dance festival, showcasing the talents and creativity of budding artists from the New York region. More than 450 students representing nearly a dozen popular dance schools from the tristate area participated in the event that was held on January 28 at the Plainfield High School, NJ.

“It was heartening to watch young children, some of them as young as five, showcasing their talents, while the choreographers displayed their creativity in the dance sequences, costumes and techniques,” said Andy Bhatia, President of FIA. Different themes including patriotism, worship of Lord Ganesha, and life at an American school were featured.

Participants from the region, competed for honors in three categories – minor, junior, and senior dance contests, according to organizers of this much-anticipated event. The evening was kicked off with the opening remarks by Srujal Parekh, executive vice president, who introduced Mamta Narula, the master of ceremonies. Chhavi Dharayan, general secretary and chair of the Dance Pe Chance for the third consecutive year, introduced the DPC team.

Among the “Minor” category, the winners are: Best Costume: Fusion Arts; Best Choreography: Aum Dance Creations; Creativity (renamed as technique): Arya Dance Academy; 3rd place: Nirmiti School of Dance; 2nd place: Aum Dance Creations; and 1st place: Arya Dance Academy.

In the Junior category, the winners are: Best Costume: Nirmiti School of Dance; Best Choreography: Dance 4 Ever; Creativity (renamed as technique): Dancing Shiva; 3rd place: Aatma Performing Arts; 2nd place: Arya Dance Academy; and 1st place: Dancing Shiva.

The Senior group winners include: Best Costume: Aatma Performing Arts; Best Choreography: Aum Dance Creations; Creativity (renamed as technique): Arya Dance Academy and Nritya Creations; 3rd place: Aatma Performing Arts; 2nd place: Nritya Creations; 1st place: Arya Dance Academy; and, Best of the Best: Arya Dance Academy.

Anand Patel, FIA’s past president, formally welcomed all the participants. As per tradition, the new officials of FIA took the oath of office during the event. Andy Bhatia (president) Srujal Parikh (executive vice president); Alok Kumar (vice president); Chhavi Dharayan (secretary); Jatin Patel (joint secretary); and Himanshu Bhatia (treasurer) took the oath office before outgoing president Anand Patel and Deputy Consul General Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra.

Ramesh Patel, chair of FIA, felicitated the outgoing and incoming officials and praised the team behind the event. H.R. Shah, recipient of the 2017 Padma Shri award was also felicitated at the event.

Jonathan Hollander, founder of the Battery Dance Company, and Dr. Kavita Gupta, were among the judges for the evening. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Albert Jasani of Royal Albert’s Palace, Rajeev Bhambri of India Abroad, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Yash Paul Soi and other prominent members of the community presented the trophies to the winners.

In his address Deputy Consul General Mohapatra noted the quality of the performances and saluted each team for their excellence. He announced that TV Asia will be hosting a live program every Tuesday with a consulate official to answer questions about passport or visa related matters. He asked people to utilize it to get correct information.

“Growing Up Smith” Expands Theatrical Release to Additional Cities in Second Week

February 9, 2017 Staff ReporterEntertainment, U.S. 0

(New York, NY – February 3, 2017) Due to an overwhelming response to advance ticket sales during opening weekend (February 3rd), the heartfelt family comedy Growing Up Smith, directed by Frank Lotito, and starring Jason Lee (My Name is Earl) and Anjul Nigam (Bad Words and True Detective), has been slated to release in several additional markets on February 10th, including Philadelphia, Hartford, Boston and Detroit.

With major rave reviews, the film has reached new heights. The New York Times Review stated, “The film has accidental topicality now with the debate over immigration swirling, but you don’t need to burden it with politics to be touched by its tale of a child who is pulled by two very different cultural worlds.”

Fort Worth Star Telegram calls the film “charmingly amusing and surprisingly timely…like an extended episode of ‘The Wonder Years.'” Josh Hurtado, ScreenAnarchy wrote, “Growing Up Smith is a solid watch for kids of a certain age, or really anyone who has ever been a little bit different from those around them.”

Directed by Frank Lotito, the film is produced by Anjul Nigam, Frank Lotito, Steve Straka, and the story was written by Anjul Nigam, Paul Quinn, Gregory Scott Houghton. In 1979, a family from India moves to America with hopes of living the American Dream. While their 10-year-old boy Smith falls head-over-heels for the girl next door, his desire to become a “good old boy” propels him further away from his family’s ideals than ever before. A tribute to childhood heroes, first love and growing up in Small Town, America… in simpler times.

The film has the following stars performing. Jason Lee (“My Name Is Earl”), Anjul Nigam (“Bad Words”), Brighton Sharbino (“The Walking Dead”), Hilarie Burton (“One Tree Hill”), Jake Busey (“From Dusk Till Dawn”), Tim Guinee (“Iron Man 1 and 2”), Alison Wright (“The Americans”), Poorna Jagannathan (“Delhi Belly”), Samrat Chakrabarti (“Waiting City”) and introducing Roni Akurati as “Smith”

Distributed by Good Deed Entertainment and inspired by a true story set in the year 1979, Growing Up Smith is about a family from India that moves to America with hopes of living the American Dream. While their 10-year-old boy, Smith, falls head-over-heels for the girl next door, his desire to become a “good old boy” propels him further away from his family’s ideas than ever before.

Whether he is impersonating John Travolta from “Saturday Night Fever” or cleverly dodging bullies, or secretly crushing on his neighbor, 14-year-old Roni Akurati, who makes his feature film debut with “Growing Up Smith,” totally gives the grown-up actors a run for their money with his acting skills and charm.

After a 25-festival run winning accolades and awards along the way, Indian American actor/filmmaker Anjul Nigam’s personal and poignant tale of a 10-year-old boy struggling to find his place in the United States in 1979 in a small town of America, “Growing Up Smith,” is finally making its way to the theaters.

So mark your calendar as there is more than one reason to watch “Growing Up Smith,” a story filled with heart and emotion. Replete with humor, top-notch acting by an incredible cast comprising of Jason Lee, Brighton Sharbino, Poorna Jagannathan, Samrat Chakrabarti, and Akurati, and a relatable storyline, the film, which opens in theaters Feb. 3, is sure to keep you engaged.

Akurati plays the title role of Smith, the 10-year-old son of India-born-and-raised parents Bhaaskar Bhatnagar (Nigam) and Nalini Bhatnagar (Jagannathan) in this clash-of-the-cultures comedy.

As a child who immigrates to the U.S. with his family, and navigates his new life in America, as his family, especially his father, tries to straddle the line between embracing the American Dream – starting with his American-sounding name – and preserving their Indian heritage, Akurati is a sheer delight to watch.

This little resident of Lake Zurich, Illinois, was in India when the auditions were happening for the role. Nigam had previously told India-West that the director and the producers had to make do with Skype calls. After several times of auditioning through Skype, he came to Los Angeles for a screen test with Brighton Sharbino, who plays Amy, his neighbor’s daughter.

Working on the film was a “great experience,” Akurati said in a statement. “I had lots of fun, and I also learned a lot about how films are made,” he said.

Akurati, truly a natural talent, has starred in shows like Comedy Central’s “Another Period” and Nickelodeon’s fantasy horror series, “Deadtime Stories.” Akurati, who was 11 during the shoot, brought in his expertise that came from performing at theaters like Goodman Theater in Chicago, Illinois, and Huntington Theater in Boston, Massachusetts. “The Jungle Book” and “A Christmas Carol” are just some of the productions that he has been associated with.

The young Indian American actor also added that any acting project would be fine by him, but comedies interest him the most. “In light of the recent immigration concerns in our country, this film highlights a positive immigrant experience in the late 70s and reminds us that love does not see race or creed,” said Scott Donley, CEO & Founder of Good Deed Entertainment.
Actor/Writer/Producer Nigam says that “the movie is a tribute to childhood heroes, first love and growing up in Small Town, America. We’re proud to say that it’s a film with no explosions, no profanity and no violence,” which is the unspoken mantra at Nigam’s production company, Brittany House Pictures.

Preet Bharara to take on corruption in NY City Hall

February 9, 2017 Staff ReporterProfiles, U.S. 0

Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, is scheduled to meet with Mayor Bill de Blasio, in connection with investigation into possible corruption at City hall, news reports said. The Indian American Preet Bharara’s meeting with de Blasio, which will be held in the next two weeks without the protection of immunity.

The feds first began zeroing in on the mayor last October when they subpoenaed thousands of e-mails and documents from his office pertaining to his 2013 campaign and nonprofit group, the Campaign for One New York, the New York Post said in a report Jan. 27.

It said that the nonprofit was shut down and “is charged with promoting the mayor’s progressive agenda,” including eliminating income inequality, gentrification and police brutality.

According to the Post report, it allegedly funneled money from wealthy donors into de Blasio’s campaign coffer. The nonprofit’s campaign finance director, Ross Offinger, has been under scrutiny for his role in the operation.

The Post report said that sources told the station that the mayor is convinced he can prove to investigators that he has not traded government favors for political donations during his time in office.

Kal Penn thanks fans for raising over $800,000 for Syrian refugees

February 9, 2017 Staff ReporterCommunity, U.S. 0

‘I’m so speechless. Thank you for continuing to share our stories on social media’

Kal Penn has thanked fans for raising over $800,000 for Syrian refugees, after beginning a fundraising page late last month. The Harold and Kumar actor – who was later appointed as a public engagement advisor to Barack Obama – started the campaign after Tweeting a picture of an abrasive comment from Instagram.

Penn, who was born to Indian parents in New Jersey, shared the image with the fundraising page link on the social media site, along with the message: “Donating to Syrian refugees in the name of the dude who said I don’t belong in America.

To the dude who said I don’t belong in America, I started a fundraising page for Syrian Refugees in your name. https://t.co/NOR5P48fBipic.twitter.com/jtJOsK9GrU
— Kal Penn (@kalpenn) 28 January 2017
“We are better than the hateful people who tell us we don’t belong in our own country, that American can’t be a beacon of freedom and hope for refugees from around the world,” he wrote on the page. We will turn their bigotry, along with the President’s, into love.”

Penn, 39, is a US citizen, born to Gujarati immigrant parents in Montclair, New Jersey. The actor has starred in various TV shows and films such as “Harold & Kumar” and “House”.
After a weekend of nationwide protests following President Donald Trump’s immigration order indefinitely banning Syrian refugees and temporarily banning nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, Penn, a former White House staffer, expressed his dismay at the executive order on Instagram with a post stating: “Families are being torn apart. Shame on us. This is un-American. What Donald Trump and the Republican Party are doing is wholly unAmerican.”

The initial goal was set at $2,500. But funds are pouring in for the cause. In two days, at the last count, the campaign had raised $632,485 and showed no signs of slowing down.
Fans began donating money in their own name, but also on behalf of Steven Bannon, Melania Trump, Kellyanne Conway and – of course – Donald Trump.

In his fourth update on the fundraising page, Penn thanked fans for all their donations, writing: “I just want to keep it short and let you know that so far, you have raised a total of $813,533 and counting for Syrian Refugees through Internation Rescue Committee (‘in the name of the dude who said I don’t belong in America’, haha)!
His tweet read: “To the dude who said I don’t belong in America, I started a fund raising page for Syrian refugees in your name.”

Here is the link to Penn’s fundraising page: https://cdn.crowdrise.com/donating-to-syrian-refugees-in-the-name-of-the-dude-who-said-i-dont-belong-in-america/fundraiser/kalpenn

Loreto & Hazel Kudera sentenced to 2 years for visa fraud

February 9, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Loreto Kudera, 45, and Hazel Kudera, 43, who admitted to giving false information to U.S. immigration authorities when applying for H-1B visas for foreign nurses and previously forfeited $1 million were sentenced to two years of probation.

U.S. District Judge J. Garvan Murtha sentenced attorney Loreto Kudera and Hazel Kudera, the owner of several medical staffing agencies, to two years of probation as well as separate $25,000 fines, according to documents filed in the federal court docket.

The couple pled guilty on June 9 to conspiring to commit immigration fraud by falsely stating to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in St. Albans, Vermont, that foreign nurses whom the pair were helping to secure work in the U.S. would be working in specialty occupations, as required by the H-1B visa program. Later that month, the pair agreed to forfeit $1 million in illegal proceeds from the scheme.

“As Judge Murtha recognized, Loreto Kudera is a good and decent man who exercised mistaken judgment in doing a bad and foolish thing with honest intentions,” Loreto Kudera’s attorney told the media. “We’re grateful for the judge’s wisdom and compassion in realizing that Mr. Kudera has suffered enough — especially where the scheme’s acknowledged ringleader and mastermind escaped prosecution entirely.”

Hazel Kudera’s attorney, Richard Willstatter of Green & Willstatter., said that Judge Murtha carefully considered the facts and the arguments of both sides. “His thoughtful and reasoned decision to sentence Hazel Kudera to probation and a fine reflected his consideration of all the facts before him and the goals Congress set for sentencing,” Willstatter said. “Hazel Kudera is a good person, but she made a terrible error in judgment in committing a crime. The court recognized that imprisonment was neither necessary nor appropriate.”

Prosecutors say that Hazel Kudera owns multiple staffing agencies in New York that specialize in providing nurses to hospitals, outpatient and skilled nursing facilities. According to the government, during the course of the scheme, she and Loreto Kudera, who was formerly an attorney at the New York immigration and real estate firm the Law Offices of Barry Silberzweig PC, submitted at least 100 fraudulent applications to authorities, and profited from the filing fees they collected from the nurses and from the health care facilities that paid Hazel Kudera’s staffing agencies.

Hazel and Loreto Kudera, prosecutors say, seeking to game the limited number of H-1B visas that are available each year, falsely stated that the foreign nurses would be working in specialty occupations at prevailing wage rates when in actuality they were going to work as licensed practical nurses or registered nurses at much lower rates of pay, mostly at nursing homes. LPN and RN are not considered to be specialty occupations by USCIS, according to the office of Eric S. Miller, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont.

During the scheme, Hazel Kudera was the owner of NYC Healthcare Staffing — formerly known as P&K of New York Management Services Inc. — and LHK Consulting, which were medical staffing companies that share the same Fifth Avenue address in Manhattan, court records show.

As part of the alleged scam, Hazel Kudera falsified a staffing agreement between NYC Healthcare Staffing and Dewitt Rehabilitation, which operates rehabilitation and nursing care facilities, listing job positions that didn’t exist, such as clinical coordinator and health care quality assurance manager, in order to prop up the false job titles she provided to USCIS, according to prosecutors. Loreto Kudera, among others, knew that information was false, but used it anyway when applying for H-1B visas, according to the government.

“As Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, We Will Resist.”

February 9, 2017 Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

Asian Americans critical of Trump’s policies

“As Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, We Will Resist,” said a statement issued by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). “We stand at a critical juncture in world history. The election of Donald Trump as president of the United States represents a direct threat to millions of people’s safety and to the health of the planet.”

While expressing its commitment to equality, inclusion, and justice, “we pledge to resist any efforts by President-Elect Trump’s administration to target and exploit communities, to strip people of their fundamental rights and access to essential services, and to use rhetoric and policies that divide the American people and endanger the world,” the statement said.

Trump’s campaign used explicit racial appeals to win the support of disaffected white voters, promising to restore their economic and social standing by deporting millions of immigrants, building a wall, creating a Muslim registry, banning Muslim immigration, and punishing Black dissent.

“The actions of the Republican Hindu Coalition today do not reflect the breadth and diversity of the Indian American community, or our Diaspora,” asserted Bera at a press conference organized by the AAPIVictory Fund Jan. 31, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

“I’m very troubled by the Executive Order,” Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, told the media, especially as it affected Green Card holders. The Trump administration’s exemption of permanent residents soon after passing the Executive Order, he contended, was a “reversal” in the face of the public outcry, and insisted that the order itself was “an assault on the Constitution.”

Sunita Viswanath, a co-founder and board member of Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus, appealed to Indian Americans to “resist” the Trump order. The Sikh Coalition, an advocacy organization, strongly objected to the Trump temporary ban supported by RHC. “The Sikh Coalition rejects this order as unconstitutional and will continue to stand in solidarity with communities targeted by discriminatory policies,” the organization said, adding, “We support an immigration system that treats people with fairness and dignity, not one based on stereotypes masquerading as law,”

On the social media networking site Twitter, activist Deepa Iyer called for a “Twitterstorm” against RHC on Jan 31. The author of the award-winning book, “We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim and Sikh Immigrants” and a Senior Fellow at the New York City-based Center for Social Inclusion, Iyer tweeted, “Progressive Hindus stand w/Muslims, refugees, condemn #Muslimban; call out GOP Hindu Coalition.”

Meanwhile in the New York region, as many as 19 Indian-American academics from universities in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania joined over 4,000 scholars from prestigious institutions across the nation Jan. 27, opposing President Trump’s executive order last week for a suspension of visas and other immigration benefits to nationals from certain Muslim countries.

The academics that included Nobel laureates, members of the National Academy of Sciences and faculty and department heads of universities and educational institutions from New York to California, signed an open letter opposing Trump’s 90-day suspension of visas and other immigration benefits to all nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The ban is likely to become permanent after the 90-day suspension period. As many as 90 Indian-American professors and other academics across the U.S. had signed the letter, including people from Columbia, Cornell, Harvard and MIT, among others.

The academics have outlined three main reasons for their opposition, including the executive order’s discrimination against a large group of immigrants and longtime residents of the U.S. which is based solely on their country of origin, all of which have a majority-Muslim population. This executive order “is inhumane, un-American and entirely disproportionate to the threat it is purporting to address,” the letter said.

“This executive order would significantly damage the United States’ reputation for academic excellence in higher education. United States research institutions directly benefit from the work of thousands of researchers from the nations affected by this executive order,” the letter said.“The United States academic community relies on these talented and creative individuals for their contributions to the cutting-edge research,” it added.

The prominent Indian-American academic signatories to the letter include Karna Basu, Associate Professor of Economics, Hunter College, City University of New York; Kalyan Chatterjee, Distinguished Professor of Economics and Management Science, Department of Economics, The Pennsylvania State University; Anind K. Dey, Professor and Department Head, Human-Computer Interaction Institute, Carnegie Mellon University; Sampath Kannan, Henry Salvatori Professor and Chair, Computer and Information Science Department, University of Pennsylvania and Yash Kanoria, Assistant Professor of Decision, Risk and Operations, Graduate School of Business, Columbia University. The academics urged President Trump “to reconsider his stance to be more consistent with the longstanding values and principles of this country.”

LA Times reported that 28 other Asian American politicians in California and around the nation have sent a letter to President Trump asking him to rescind his executive order banning citizens of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Libya from entering the U.S. for 90 days.

The letter noted that Asian Americans have been targeted with similar policies in America’s past, including the Chinese Exclusion Act in the 1880s, which was the nation’s first major law excluding specific immigrants from the county. During World War II, Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps.

“Your 2,800-word executive order drips with cruel irony as it turns away refugees trying to escape the same Islamic terrorism and violence that you naively claim will be repelled from our shores if we only embrace your bigoted and cowardly directive,” the letter stated

Meanwhile the Republican Hindu Coalition, which worked closely with Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and his transition team, is in the eye of a storm within the Indian-American community for its support of the President’s temporary ban on people from seven countries – an executive order that has itself brought forth an eruption of protest by many around the country.

“We applaud the Trump administration for taking this decisive move to protect our citizens from Islamic terror,” Shalabh Kumar, chairman of RHC said. That unqualified support for the ban has invited a storm of criticism from many Indian-Americans, Hindus and non-Hindus, political activists and former administration officials.

The majority-Democrat Indian-American community has lashed out against his stand. California Congressman Ami Bera, Democratic Party activist Shekar Narasimhan, and author and activist Deepa Iyer and others, have assailed the RHC for supporting the temporary ban. Others rejected the Executive Order as “illegal,” and former Indian-American diplomats said it made Americans less safe.

Two other Hindu organizations, Hindu American Foundation and the Sadhana Coalition have come out against Trump’s ban which indefinitely bars Syrian refugees from entering the United States. It also suspends all refugee admissions for 120 days and blocks all citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries considered high-risk – Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen — from entering the United States for 90 days.

Pramila Jayapal Named Co-Chair of Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform

February 9, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, Profiles, U.S. 0

Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., has been named as co-chair of the Congressional Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform. “Women and children bear the brunt of our inhumane and broken immigration system. Yet, they have no seat at the table,” said Jayapal in a statement. “I’m honored and humbled to be appointed as co-chair of the Women’s Working Group.

“As an immigrant woman of color, I’ve been fighting for justice in our immigration system for years,” Jayapal added. “I pledge to bring the same passion and commitment to the group as we work to reform our nation’s laws. I’m proud to be working with a leader like Congresswoman Roybal-Allard to defend and protect immigrant families from this president’s policies.”

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), made the announcement during the group’s 2017 kickoff meeting held at her Capitol Hill office with several Women’s Working Group members, including congresswomen and representatives of immigration groups, in attendance.

“I am so excited to have Congresswoman Jayapal join me as a co-chair of the Congressional Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform,” said Roybal-Allard in a statement. “As an immigrant to America herself, a longtime civil rights activist, and the first Indian American woman in the House of Representatives, her experiences and dedication will enrich our group and our mission,” she added.

The Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform was formed in 2013 to ensure that women’s voices are heard in the immigration debate, and that America’s immigration policies reflect the interests of women and children.

Asia Society captures Asian Voices on Trump administration

February 8, 2017 Staff ReporterPolitics, U.S. 0

During the 2016 general elections, exit polls suggested that despite Hillary Clinton’s defeat to Donald Trump, Americans of Asian descent supported the former secretary of state by a 65 to 29 percent margin. In the aftermath of the election result, Asia Society decided to give Asian Americans a chance to give advice to the 45th president — on camera.

“We recently asked Asian Americans in New York to offer their advice to President Trump. Here’s what they had to say. the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Asian American voters made their preferences clear,” a statement issued by the Society stated.

During two days of filming, the participants — who traced their ancestry to several different Asian countries — discussed a wide variety of specific topics, from LGBT rights, tension in the South China Sea, and climate change. But there were also sentiments shared across several responses, such as a strong desire for President Trump to govern on behalf of all Americans, particularly immigrants and religious minorities. Though the interviews were filmed prior to the president’s inauguration, these issues have assumed a special relevance to the infancy of his presidency.

Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context. Across the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, the Society provides insight, generates ideas, and promotes collaboration to address present challenges and create a shared future. Founded in 1956, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational institution with offices in Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, Manila, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Washington, DC and Zurich.

United Punjabis of America celebrates Lohri festival with flavors of Punjab

February 8, 2017 Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, India, U.S. 0

Chicago IL: United Punjabis of America (UPA) celebrated Lohri on January 28th 2017 at Ashton Place, Willowbrook, IL. The event started with lighting the lamp and national Anthems sung by Nipa Shah and Aavni Limdi. The UPAeExecutive board members Madhu Uppal and Dharam Pawani introduced the UPA core team Brij Sharma, Om Dhingra, Ramesh Malhan, Shammi Mittal, Girish Kapur Rosey Bhasin, Shikha Tandon, Kumkum Kumar, Atul Wahi and Vishal Dutt. The event was anchored by the famous emcee and founder of Desi Junction Radio Jassi Parmar.

The Introduction was followed by a variety of singing and Dance items brought by varipus dance schools of Illinois. Jagoo folk by Sangeeta Singh, Rosey Bhasin & Group from Sant Nirankari Mission added a traditional color to the event. Madhu Chawdhary’s school Danceology brought a kid’s dance performance on Sadi Gali Aayo Karo. Prachi Jaitly’s Bollywood Arts Acdemy presented a kid’s talent show with boys and girls performing on a mix of songs like Singh is King, Tutak Tutak Tootitayaan, Radha Teri Chunri and Aun wala Sama tere bhai da. Boys Group Dance by Gauri Mittal performed on the famous Daler Mehandi song Hayo Rabba, Hayo Rabba. Sheetal Dhanani,s Tarana Kathak gave a stupendous performance on Bajirao Mastani – Diwani Mastani. Shalini Dixit,s dance school Nashe si Chadh Gaye and Love Letter, Nach De ne Sare – Cuite Pie and Phuttey Chuck De and Kala Chashma.

The UPA board honored three business leaders Shalabh Kumar, Hersh Ketharpal and Rahul Wahi for their contribution to Indian community as well as the entire society at large. Shalabh Kumar, “Shalli” is the CEO of AVG Group of companies with headquarters in Chicago and operations all over the world. AVG, established in 1975, has produced over 500 innovative hardware, firmware and software products He is an active supporter of the Indian community in the US.

Hersh Ketharpal, Distinguished Punjabi Spiritual & Community Leader and the founding director of the Yog Sadhna Ashram of Chicago, West Chicago, IL For 25 years she has been serving the community by sharing her knowledge of Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Pranayam, Mediation & and Yogic Cleansing not only at the Ashram but also at other locations, including Naperville, Oakbrook, Lemont etc. Rahul Wahi, Distinguished Young Punjabi Entrepreneur Rahul Ji is the founder and CEO of LLT Group, a digital marketing company operating in Naperville, IL and Boston MA. LLT Group donates $50,000 per year to the College of DuPage for scholarship for creative art students.

UPA members Shammi Mittal, Rosey Bhasin, Girish Kapur & Atul Wahi gave a vote of thanks to all the sponsors with special thanks to GOLD sponsors Karl Kalra of Live2U and Om Dingra of Wholesome Health Pharmacy and media partners. The cultural program continued and another talented singer Sanjay Amin sang some evergreen songs like Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye Roop Tera Mastana, Dil Kya Kare Jab, Kuch Na Kaho. Sukhdev Singh presented a Punjabi Skit by depicting Mast Malanga, a hilarious Punjabi Character. The Famous Punjabi Singer Maddy Singh made the audience dance on some fabulous Punjabi numbers. The grand finale performance Gidha was brought by Prachi Jaitly’s Bollywood Arts Academy and the dance floor was opened to the entire audience followed by BonFire.

As foreign students fear new US regulations, varsities try calm Indian students’ fears

February 8, 2017 Staff ReporterEducation, India, U.S. 0

Saaedah Shiravany, an Iranian MBA student at a top US business school, says news of President Donald Trump’s executive order banning citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US left her feeling “empty”.

Shiravany (not her real name) worries that she will be unable to graduate because the ban, covering Iraq, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Somalia as well as her homeland, would prevent her from participating in an overseas corporate assignment that is a requirement of her course. She fears that if she were to leave the US for the assignment, she may not be able to re-enter the country to complete her studies. “This ban has robbed me of the experience I came here to have,” she says. Leaving the US would mean saying goodbye to completing her MBA next year.

Shiravany is only one among the thousands of students in the USA from abroad, who have expressed and experienced such fears in the past week. Allaying fears of such international students following US President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order targeting immigrants, several American universities are mailing prospective students to let them know that that they are welcome to their campuses, regardless of what the Trump government says.

While these mails are an attempt to reassure immigrant students, these may have also become necessary since the US remains the hub for Indian students. Mubarak Kader, who applied for the engineering management program at Duke University in North Carolina, received a mail from the university this week. “We know many members of the global community are… concerned about the new policies,” wrote the university, adding links to statements from the institution president who promised to bring these concerns “to the attention of policymakers and public”. The president of our university sent out a similar message to us, international students, on the campus. He told us how the university will always be a place for people of different cultures to come together and engage in dialogue,” said a student pursuing law at the University of Miami. Other institutions, like the

University of Michigan and Northeastern University, too, have sent out similar mails to students who may be apprehensive about being subjected to discrimination while at university or being detained at immigration points as witnessed at several US airports over the week.

Anupama Vijay, an education consultant, said: “Indians pursuing professional courses will have no issues as their student visas entitle them to a five-year optional practical training period. Only after this period does securing an H-1B visa become a concern. Their status as students in the US will be untouched by the new policy,” she says.

‘Visa denial to Kashmiri athlete not linked to US ban’: US Embassy

February 8, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

The U.S. has said that denial of visas to a Kashmiri athlete and an official accompanying him has nothing to do with President Donald Trump’s executive order banning immigrants from Muslim-majority countries and was “a standard adjudication based on the merit of the case”, a senior Indian government official said Feb. 2.

“We have seen reports about the denial of U.S. visas to the two Kashmiri sports persons,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing .
“The US Embassy in Delhi has categorically denied that it has any linkage to the executive order. We have also been told that it was a standard adjudication based on the merits of the case,” he stated.

Kashmiri snowshoe athlete, Tanveer Hussain Parra, on Jan. 31 claimed he was denied a visa by the U..S Embassy here, with officials citing the “current policy” under the Donald Trump administration.

Parra, 24, was scheduled to attend the World Snowshoe Federation (WSSF) World Championship on Feb. 25 in Saranac Lake, New York.

President Trump last week signed an executive order banning immigrants from seven Muslim-majority nations and placed Pakistan under “extreme vetting”, an action which has led to widespread protests.

Parra told media that he was denied the visa despite having completed all formalities, and that his documents were in order and checked by a US embassy official. “However, the official later told me she was ‘sorry’ and added that ‘under the current policy, we cannot issue you visa’,” Parra said.

Parra said he had got invitation letters for the US event from WSSF and the Mayor of Saranac Lake Village, New York. He was being accompanied by Abid Hussain Khan, Secretary General, Snowshoe Federation of India, for the US event. Last year, Parra represented India at the World Snowshoe championship that was held in Vezza de Ogglio, Brescia, Italy, where he finished 31st in the senior category.

Evelyn Sharma prays for unity and peace at ‘National Prayer Breakfast’

February 8, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Bollywood actress Evelyn Sharma, who represented the Christian faith at President Donald Trump’s ‘National Prayer Breakfast’ at the Hilton’s International Ballroom in Washington, D.C., on February 2nd, prayed for unity and peace. The annual event attended by the leaders of the nation, representing all major faiths and political affiliations in the nation and from around the world, was attended by more than 3,000 guests, including politicians, religious leaders and other international invitees from over 130 countries.
She addressed the august gathering after King Abdullah of Jordan and was followed by Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe from Uganda. Sharma was probably one of the few Indian faces at the event. In delivering her first international speech, Sharma, of Indian and German descent, joined the high ranks of leadership from various countries and religious backgrounds, who gave inspirational speeches, at the massive event hosted by members of the U.S. Congress and organized on their behalf by The Fellowship Foundation, a Christian organization.
“Evelyn shared the story of her own faith, urging the world for acceptance, unity and peace, which brought her a standing ovation by the thousands of guests present at the event,” said Dale Bhagwagar, her publicist. “From a PR point of view, the Indian actress has bypassed many, by opting for an intellectual speech at an event for world unity of religions, instead of a flashy photo-op.”
The actress, who has starred in films like “Main Tera Hero” and “Yaariyna,” later took to Twitter to share her “overwhelming experience.” She wrote: “What an honor and humbling feeling to be standing in front of the world’s leaders of all kind in Washington DC to share my story of faith ❤ Thank you so much for inviting me! Praise God!”

Republic Day Celebrations at Indian Embassy

February 6, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

The Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. observed India’s 68th Republic Day at its premises. Ambassador Navtej Sarna paid floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the Embassy, after which he unfurled the national flag.

Ambassador Sarna addressed the guests and read out the address by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. This was followed by singing of patriotic songs by a young Indian American. Over 200 members of the Indian-American community attended the celebrations. Documentaries titled “A Day in the Life of India” and “INDIAN ARMY: An Instrument of National Power” were screened on the occasion.

Picture Caption: Ambassador Navtej Sarna reads out the Republic Day message of President Pranab Mukherjee at Republic Day celebrations at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., Jan. 26.

Indian American partnership with Capitol Hill continues

February 6, 2017 Staff ReporterPolitics, U.S. 0

Indo-American Community Services (IACS), a national non-profit supporting the South Asian Community is continuing its annual partnership connecting collegiate students with Congressional internships in Washington, D.C. The non-partisan organization places exceptional students in Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle. This program continues the organization’s efforts to encourage civic and political engagement within the Indian-American community.

For eight weeks, both graduate and undergraduate students are exposed to policy making in the nation’s capital, firsthand. Along with gaining unparalleled insight into public service, legislation construction, and constituent care, selected interns are awarded a $2000 stipend after successful completion of the program. Congressman Bill Foster, Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, Senator Dan Sullivan Senator Mark Kirk, Congressman Danny Davis, and Congresswoman Robin Kelly advocate for and hosted IACS interns in their D.C. offices.

IACS is excited to see the growth of Indian-American service in government, with this year’s election of five Indian-American representatives to Congress. In its sixth year, the IACS internship program is looking to expand the reach of this enriching opportunity to more students across the country. “We have already begun outreach efforts to Indian-American student groups across the country, in hopes of shedding greater awareness to this program,” said Joy Dhar, co- IACS internship liaison. “Sruthi Rao and I are looking forward to continuing our correspondence and helping place candidates with an interest in public service in Congressional internships.”

The summer 2017 internship program application is live & will be accepted through January 31st, 2017. For more information, please visit www.iacsinfo.org

Protest March at Austin Airport against President Trump

February 6, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

By Tania Romero & Seema Govil

The protest on Sunday this week against President Trump’s executive order at Austin Bergstrom International Airport began with a Facebook post. The night before, activist John Burleson saw that only 19 people were interested in going. But by Sunday morning, that number had reached almost 300+ people on the Facebook page. At the start of the protest at 2pm, a near 500 protesters gathered outside of the arrival area, as an outcry against president Trump’s executive order, imposing temporary restrictions on immigrants and refugees entering the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The mass shockwaves of disapproval could be seen in the assembly of diverse crowds at international airports across the nation. Attorneys and local political leaders were among protesters who perceive this present mandate as a violation of the first amendment in the Constitution, fueling the increasing discriminatory fervor against Islam religion.

Several crowd members at the protest in Austin took turns speaking into a megaphone to share their own stories. A young Sudanese Muslim-American woman, with her child strapped across her chest, recounted her uncertainty as to whether her husband visiting family in Sudan will return safely next Friday. She told the crowd “No ban on Muslims. No walls. We need to be united.”

Her words struck a chord with other participants, who proceeded to share their own immigrant family stories in solidarity. One man held a sign in support that read “6thGeneration Immigrant”, and a retired Army officer stated, “this is not what my family fought for in this country.”

The Austin community continues to deliver a welcoming message to Muslims and refugees, by organizing a gathering at the First English Lutheran Church on Monday night and at the Texas Muslim Capitol Day on Tuesday, January 31st.

Trump’s war on immigrants

February 6, 2017 Ajay GhoshTravel, U.S. 0

As per estimates by South Asian Americans Leading Together, currently, more than 450,000 people of Indian origin living in the U.S. are stated to be undocumented.. In an executive order, President Donald Trump stated, he will withhold federal funding from “sanctuary cities,” which provide protection from deportation to the nation’s 11 million undocumented residents, and reauthorized the “Secure Communities” program.

“Sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States willfully violate federal law in an attempt to shield aliens from removal from the United States,” stated Trump in the executive order. “These jurisdictions have caused immeasurable harm to the American people and to the very fabric of our Republic,” he said.

The freshman Senator from California, Kamala Harris, a Democrat, said in a press statement: “Because of these executive orders, our nation is now less safe: immigrants will report fewer crimes, more families will live in fear, and our communities and local economies will suffer.”

“California has an outsized stake in this fight. No state has more immigrants than we do – both documented and undocumented. I intend to continue fighting back aggressively and speaking up for the vulnerable communities that are being attacked by this administration,” she said.

The new law has been criticized for racial profiling, as law enforcement officials can pick up anyone they suspect of being undocumented. In a joint press release issued Jan. 26 by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and SABA, the organizations noted that Trump’s “xenophobic executive orders” target people of color and encourage racial and religious profiling of Muslims and Sikhs, among others.

“Today’s executive orders push the nation further away from core American values of equality and freedom, sow fear in communities of color that already face increasing violence, hostility and attacks, and make us and the country less safe — all under the guise of national security,” stated Suman Raghunathan, executive director of SAALT, in a press statement.

The Secure Communities program mandates local law enforcement to act as immigration agents. Under the aegis of the program, police have the authorization to ask for proof of residency from anyone they interact with. That information is then turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement to determine whether the person has committed a deportable offense.

Sanctuary cities are those that have stated they will not participate in the Secure Communities program, and provide protection from deportation to undocumented residents within their jurisdiction. Trump has pledged to strip federal dollars from sanctuary cities.

As per analysts, legal permanent residents can also be deported if they have committed an aggravated felony, or a crime of moral turpitude, which is vaguely defined. Laws vary from state to state, but in New York, for example, evading a subway fare would potentially make a legal resident deportable. In other states, a traffic violation could lead to the deportation of a legal resident.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice’s Los Angeles chapter held a press conference Jan. 26, decrying the president’s action. “We are deeply troubled by the direction of our country and this administration’s apparent desire to appease his anti-immigrant and white supremacist supporters,” said the organization in a press statement.

Lakshmi Sridaran, director of National Policy and Advocacy at SAALT, is reported to have stated: “For the first time, we are seeing an impact throughout the entire spectrum of our immigration system,” she said. “Everyone is under suspicion,” stated Sridharan. “It is a recipe for disaster,” she said, reinforcing the fact that law enforcement can ask for proof of residency from legal and undocumented residents.

“Essentially, the police officer in a local community cannot just walk up to you and ask for your papers, but they can arrest you for something and then send your biometric data to DHS or ICE, who will then run your information through a database to determine if you are here legally,” she clarified.

Aravinda Pillalamarri, 47, an Indian-American woman was stopped, quizzed about immigration status in the United States. Aravinda Pillalamarri, along with her husband had been the inspiration behind Shahrukh Khan’s film Swades, was stopped and asked by police if she was in the US “illegally”, an incident which comes amid rising fears over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

She was walking in her Bel Air neighborhood in Maryland on the morning of December 21, a routine with her, when she said she was stopped by a Bel Air Police Department officer, The Baltimore Sun reported. Pillalamarri, who was born in India but moved with her parents to the US when she was young, was asked by the police officer about what she was doing and she replied that she was walking.

The officer continued to ask several questions. When she asked why the officer was asking her so many questions, he replied because someone had called police. “Walking while brown?” Pillalamarri then asked the officer.

The report said a police supervisor arrived at the scene and began to question Pillalamarri more aggressively. The supervisor told her she wasn’t free to leave because she “was under criminal investigation”.

She was asked why she didn’t have an identification with her. “Why don’t you have ID?” she said the supervisor asked her. “Are you here illegally?” Once the officers had run her name through their computer system, Pillalamarri said, she was allowed to leave and walked to her home, just a few doors away. Pillalamarri has lived in Bel Air for more than 30 years and is a US citizen. Her parents came to America from India when she was a baby. She went to Bel Air High School.

“Only when the supervisor asked ‘are you here illegally’ did my sense of colour, and of being unequal, come forth and my interest in my civil rights took a back seat to get out of the situation safely,” she was quoted as saying.

“Public safety does not need to come at the cost of civil rights,” she added. “I am sharing this incident here not to ask anyone here to find fault or take sides. We are all on the same side and can use this as an opportunity to learn and improve. The responsibility to uphold civil rights is one that all of us share, and we need to do our part and also expect the police to do their part.”

All legal residents are encouraged to carry their green cards. Undocumented residents will live in fear of any type of interaction with police and are unlikely to seek help from law enforcement when needed.

Trump’s ban on 7 Muslim nations affects businesses across US

February 6, 2017 Staff ReporterBusiness, U.S. 0

Using his newly-acquired executive fiat, President Donald Trump declared a ban on immigrants from seven Muslim majority nations, including Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen blocking all refugees from entering the US for 120 days. In Syria’s case, the suspension is indefinite.

The Executive Order on “Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Attacks by Foreign Nationals,” by President Donald J. Trump has been described by many as a war on Muslim refugees around the world. While civil libertarians reacted with fury to what was seen as a strike against American ideals of welcoming refugees and immigrants, concern in Silicon Valley centered on the fallout of the executive order on its globalized work-force, particularly if the orders are enforced randomly.

In television interviews explaining the ban, Trump said travelers from Muslim-majority countries left out of the ban — Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia — will face what he called “extreme vetting,” while dismissing concerns that his actions will inflame tensions in the Muslim world.
“The world is as angry as it gets,” the President countered. “What, you think this is going to cause a little more anger?”

The US tech industry, substantially staffed with immigrants, was thrown into a tizzy last week. Immigrants make up much of the workforce in Silicon Valley, including many executive roles, and the tech industry has long advocated for more open immigration laws in the U.S., saying they need more skilled foreigners to fill technical jobs.

The new restrictions will have a major impact on American technology companies that hire skilled staff from all over the world on special H1B visas, mostly used by Indian IT firms.

“There have already been reports of green card holders, who are allowed to work in the U.S., being prevented from getting on flights. However, green cards are not specifically mentioned in the executive order,” the Wall Street Journal said. After pressure from across the nation, the White House has stated that Green Card holders will be allowed entry into the country.

Although the move appeared to affect the tech industry only marginally, it was criticized among others by the chief executives of Facebook and Google — Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai — besides many lawmakers and civil liberties activists because of possible wider fall-out.

As per reports, Google recalled scores of its immigrant staffers from foreign travels who are from countries cited by the Trump administration, amid reports of US-bound passengers being off-loaded from planes in some of the affected countries.

“We’re upset about the impact of this order and any proposals that could impose restrictions on Googlers and their families, or that could create barriers to bringing great talent to the US,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai, an immigrant from India himself, wrote in a “Get Back to US Now” memo to employees. “It’s painful to see the personal cost of this executive order on our colleagues… We’ve always made our view on immigration issues known publicly and will continue to do so.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, at least 187 Google employees who normally live and work in the US have been affected by the ban. “Our first order of business is to help Googlers who are affected,” Pichai wrote while recalling employees who are currently abroad and might be at risk. “If you’re abroad and need help please reach out to our global security team.”

Facebook’s Zuckerberg also wrote in a post that that he’s “concerned about the impact of the recent executive orders,” while recounting that his great grandparents came from Germany, Austria and Poland, and his wife Priscilla’s parents were refugees from China and Vietnam.

“We wouldn’t wish this fear and uncertainty on anyone—and especially not our fellow Googlers,” he wrote. “In times of uncertainty, our values remain the best guide.” Microsoft has also warned its shareholders that curbs on immigration could have a material impact on its business.

Sen. Kamala Harris leads women’s march in DC

February 6, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Women march globally for rights for everyone

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California) was “walking on a cloud” after speaking to thousands at the women’s march in Washington, media reports here stated. Her message: All issues are women’s issues. We will not retreat when being attacked. We will stand up and we will fight.”

California’s newest Democratic senator reflected on Trump’s inauguration speech just the day before, calling it a “dark” message for Americans.”

As the Women’s March on Washington had swelled in support, attracting attention and supporters in the lead-up to Saturday’s demonstrations on January 21, its name has become something of a misnomer. Women traveled from all over the country to be at the D.C. march, including many from across the nation. To them, and all people who were hoping for a different outcome, she expressed hope and the need to fight for equality and justice around the world.

Similar marches have been organized in all 50 states, several U.S. territories and countries around the world. They have tried to express solidarity with the aims of the original march: opposition to President Trump’s agenda, and support of women’s rights and human rights in general. In Sydney, London, New Delhi, and other cities, demonstrators broke out their signs and pink hats before even their compatriots in D.C. could.

While some protests were principally marching to express solidarity with the demonstrators in the U.S., others are directly raising issues of misogyny on a more local level. In New Delhi, protesters carried signs reading “I will go out,” to protest sexual harassment in public spaces.

“I am concerned that we are on a path to appeal to our lesser instincts instead of our better selves,” the first ever Senator of Indian origin, said. She went on to echo something Trump emphasized in his inauguration speech: The people have the power.

“There are thousands and thousands of people here today. And I think everyone should take note, that this is a very powerful voice – they’re activated and they must be taken seriously.”

The senator spent about 45 minutes backstage greeting people before her speech. Along the way she said she ran into someone who was best friends with her mother when they were students at UC Berkeley during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. “This is absolutely personal to me. This is absolutely personal to me.”

“The fight for civil rights will be fought and won with each generation. Whatever gains we make will not be permanent,” she said. “That’s the nature of it, so let’s not be dispirited.… Let’s just get up, pick ourselves up and get out there and fight. Fight for equality, fight for fairness, fight for justice.”

Trump talks to Modi

February 6, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

Donald Trump tells Narendra Modi he considers India a ‘true friend’

President Donald Trump is reported to have invited Modi to visit the United States later this year, during a phone call on Tuesday, four days after the Republican President took oath as the 45th President of the US. During the call, “President Trump emphasised that the US considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

Trump spoke with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a call last week, one of the few world leaders the new US President has spoken to since taking office on January 20th.

According to a White House statement, Trump emphasized that Washington considers India a “true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world.” The new US leader also said he was looking forward to welcoming Modi in the US later this year.

Modi’s a frequent visitor to the US; he’s made four official visits since he assumed office in 2014. Last June marked the seventh time he had met former President Barack Obama. On the call, Trump and Modi were said to have discussed opportunities to strengthen their partnership on the economy and defense, though no details were given. They also discussed security in south and central Asia, a region that encompasses Pakistan and Afghanistan, and resolved to “stand shoulder to shoulder in the global fight against terrorism.”

The leaders discussed economic and defense co-operations and regional security issues, the White House said in a statement. He was the fifth word leader President Trump spoke to after coming to office. The two men expected to find common ground going forward on terrorism and security, particularly in regard to the terrorist threat from neighboring Pakistan, experts said.

PM Modi was one of the first leaders to congratulate President Trump after his victory in the November elections and the inauguration last week. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister had said he looked forward to working with President Trump to “further deepen” India-US ties and “realise the full potential of our cooperation”.

President Trump, whose “Buy American, Hire American” policy and plans to clamp down on H-1B visas has caused some unease in the Indian IT industry, has so far been positive about India. During his election campaign, he mentioned India as the only other nation besides Israel, with which he wanted to strengthen ties. Expressing personal admiration for PM Modi, Trump had called him a “great man” who was “very energetic in reforming India’s bureaucracy”.

Trump also said he had “great confidence” in India. “Generations of Indian and Hindu Americans have strengthened our country…your values of hard work, education and enterprise have truly enriched our nation.”

See You in Court, Mr. President

February 6, 2017 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Deepak Gupta leads lawsuit against Trump

Deepak Gupta of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is part of the watchdog team that sued President Donald Trump for violating the Emoluments Clause, a constitutional provision that prohibits federal officials from accepting “any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever” from a foreign state without congressional approval.

The Trump International Hotel, along with Trump Tower in New York and many other of Donald Trump’s business interests, all figure in a federal lawsuit filed, claiming that President Trump is violating the Emoluments Clause when foreign entities book rooms at the D.C. hotel or lease Trump office space.

The emoluments lawsuit against Donald Trump is an audacious gamble. The clause clearly bars Trump from receiving payments from foreign governments, including from state-owned corporations. Yet Trump’s business empire, from which he refuses to divest, is continually receiving emoluments from foreign states in the form of cash, loans, licensing deals, and building permits. (In 18th-century parlance, an “emolument” was any good or service of value.)

So CREW has asked U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams to rule that Trump’s acceptance of these emoluments is unconstitutional and prohibit him from taking any more. This suit may well fail. If it does, it could help Trump, taking emoluments off the table as grounds for impeachment and allowing his administration to dismiss the issue as fatuous harassment. Democrats would lose a potent rallying cry, and the emoluments criticism would fade from the political arena. The suit is an audacious gamble; it could certainly backfire. But even if it does, it will have a silver lining—functioning as the opening volley in a sustained assault on Trump’s unlawful conflicts of interest.

The Emoluments Clause has never before been tested in court—although the legal luminaries who joined CREW’s complaint appear convinced that judicial intervention is necessary. Eminent constitutional law professors Laurence Tribe and Zephyr Teachout, as well as Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California–Irvine School of Law, are participating in the suit along with Deepak Gupta, a Supreme Court advocate of considerable renown.

In an interview with NPR, Deepak Gupta talked about the non-profit’s lawsuit against President Trump claiming he is violation of the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution. “The Supreme Court in the 1980s decided a case called Havens that involved housing discrimination organizations,” Gupta said. And that could be a precedence, Gupta said.

Describing that a potential gift to Trump, “describes something that I give you without getting anything in return. And emolument describes a payment where maybe I expect something in return. And the argument that the Trump lawyers are making is, well, this is OK as long as it’s fair market value. That ignores the fact that built into the price is some profit that comes to Donald Trump. And this is not just some abstraction. It’s happening already. And diplomats have told news organizations on the record that they are moving their business there because they want to curry favor with the president.”

Stating the objective of the suit, Gupta, said, “The purpose of this lawsuit is not simply to get some documents in discovery. Although Discovery will be important because President Trump has been so secretive about his holdings. But this is not just about the tax returns. This is about testing the proposition that the framers really meant it when they said that the president has to have undivided loyalty to the American people and should not have financial entanglements with foreign governments.”

Ajit Pai appointed to lead US Communications Commission

February 6, 2017 Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Ajit Varadaraj Pai has been appointed as the Chairman of the United States Federal Communications Commission, appointed by President Donald Trump in the earliest days of that administration. He is the first Indian American to hold the office.

Ajit Pai is the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission. He was nominated to the FCC by President Barack Obama and was confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate on May 7, 2012.

Commissioner Pai’s regulatory philosophy is informed by a few simple principles. Rules that reflect these principles will result in more innovation, more investment, better products and services, lower prices, more job creation, and faster economic growth.

Pai introduced a proposal that would not only extend that waiver for a full five years, but expand it. If passed by the rest of the agency’s commissioners, any service provider with fewer than 250,000 subscribers will not be bound by the transparency requirements.

The plan mirrors a similar, bipartisan proposal in Congress, and Pai, in a statement, argued that the regulations would have an unreasonable impact on small business. “Federal regulations have a disproportionate effect on small businesses — businesses that are often the linchpin of a more competitive marketplace and that don’t necessarily have compliance resources,” he said. Still, it will likely be disappointing to any customers buying service from one of those providers and hoping to keep track of what they’re paying for.

When the FCC passed its net neutrality rules in 2015, they included transparency measures for internet service providers. Big providers were required to submit information to regulators and consumers on data caps, fees, and speeds, but the order also included a temporary waiver for providers with less than 100,000 subscribers. After a re-extension, the transparency requirements would have gone into effect this month. Pai has made no secret of his hostility to the net neutrality rules, saying recently that the rules’ “days are numbered.”

Commissioner Pai has been an outspoken defender of First Amendment freedoms. Public safety is a top priority for Commissioner Pai. He took action to ensure that consumers can reach emergency services whenever they dial 911. Commissioner Pai has fought to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs. He was the first commissioner to demand an end to corporate welfare in a recent major spectrum auction; the agency ultimately agreed, saving taxpayers over $3 billion. Pai was the first member of the FCC in over two decades to call for revitalizing the AM radio band; the basic reforms he proposed were adopted in 2015. He also urged the FCC to create a task force to study the “Internet Protocol Transition” and report on obsolete rules that could be repealed; that task force was created. He proposed a way for the FCC to address petitions filed by the public much more quickly; that “rocket docket” is now in place and has dramatically sped up the agency’s decision-making.

Dimple Ajmera to become city’s first Asian-American Charlotte City Council member

February 6, 2017 Staff ReporterCommunity, Politics, U.S. 0

Dimple Ajmera was named to Charlotte City Council on Monday night and will become the city’s first Asian-American on the council. Ajmera, 30, was appointed to finish the term of Democrat John Autry in District 5, which covers much of east Charlotte. Autry stepped down from the seat in January to become a member of the North Carolina House.

The Charlotte City Council appointed Dimple Ajmera to the District 5 seat vacated by John Autry. The Charlotte Housing Authority Ajmera works at TIAA in University City as a project manager. Without knowing English, she immigrated with her family to the United States from India when she was 16. She graduated from Southern High in Durham and then the University of Southern California. She has served on the Charlotte Housing Authority board.

Five other people applied for the position: Ariel Chambers-Woodruff, Johnell Holman, Marjorie Molina, Matthew Newton and Queen Thompson. Ajmera was a unanimous choice.

But before the vote, Democratic council member Al Austin nominated Matt Newton, an activist who has worked to reform the Citizens Review Board. Democrat Claire Fallon said Newton was her choice, but that she was going to support Ajmera because she would “go with the majority.”

Newton came to the meeting with a vocal group of supporters. Austin told him that Monday’s vote was “not the end but the beginning.”

Ajmera will be sworn in later this week. Her term ends in December.

In deciding whom they should appoint, council members said they preferred someone who would not run for the seat this year.

“I told them I will fill the term for 11 months,” Ajmera said. “I’ll support whoever decides to run for the district.”

HR Shah awarded Padma Shri for helping build strong India-US relationship

February 4, 2017 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

HR Shah, an Indian-American entrepreneur, is the recipient of this year’s Padma Shri award announced in New Delhi, last week. A recipient of the 2005 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Shah is also a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader.

Shah is among three recipients of the honor from the US. “I cannot believe it and am still trying to fathom this wonderful news. I am deeply humbled, honored and overjoyed that the Republic of India has decided to confer on me the Padma Shri,” said Shah who has lived in the US for 46 years.

Shah has said that he would “rededicate” himself to help India and US further strengthen their ties. “I look forward to receiving the Padma Shri in New Delhi later this year and rededicate myself to helping India and the United States further their close relations, as well as to promote India’s rich culture and heritage,” Shah said yesterday after he was announced as a recipient of India’s prestigious civilian honor.

Shah is originally from Bahadarpur in Gujarat. He is also chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (USA). “It is recognition of my work for more than 35 years and I am grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government as well as the people of India for rewarding me with this highest civilian honor,” he said.

“I am also grateful to my family, friends and well-wishers who have supported me all these years,” said Shah, who is the first NRI to run a 24/7 TV station (TV Asia) in North America since 1997, reflecting his diverse interests.

TV ASIA was started by Amitabh Bachchan in 1993. Shah is the first NRI to own a chain store business anywhere in the world. A turnaround expert, he became prominent for rescuing Krauszer’s Food Stores, New Jersey’s largest chain having over 400 convenience stores.

NYC charges firm with discrimination against Muslims

February 4, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

The New York City Commission on Human Rights filed religious discrimination charges against a wheelchair assistance service company on January 25 for allegedly discriminating against Muslim employees by repeatedly denying their requests for break time to pray and break fast during Ramadan.

The company, Pax Assist Inc., providing service at JFK International Airport was charged Jan. 25 with violating NYC Human Rights Law. The complaint also alleged that supervisors at Pax Assist Inc., which serves 32 airlines and employs more than 250 workers at Terminal 4 at JFK, publicly harassed Muslim employees over a radio system when they requested break time.

The commission has notified Pax Assist Inc. of these charges and is awaiting its response.
“Discrimination does not just happen on the street, it can touch every part of our daily lives, including in the workplace,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

“Now more than ever, it is important for everyone to stand up against discrimination and hate, and to protect the rights of Muslim Americans. The Commission is working hard to ensure that every community understands their rights and is legally protected against discrimination and bigotry,” the mayor said.

“As New Yorkers, we must all must be vigilant and stand up for what is right.”

The commission, which filed the religious discrimination charges on behalf of the City rather than requiring individual victims to file claims, also alleged that the company’s employee break policy has a disparate impact on employees of every faith who may be deterred from requesting religious accommodations to pray at work consistent with their religious practices.

President Donald Trump sees himself as leading an insurgency

January 27, 2017 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

Donald Trump took over as the 45^th US president on Friday, January 20^th, 2017 after winning a highly divisive campaign. Trump at and after the inauguration, behaves in the same way as he had conducted his upstart campaign, with a mixture of blustery salesmanship and contempt for the established political order.

In doing so, the new Republican party leader sent a clear signal to the country and the world: He plans to govern as he campaigned, refusing to align himself even with his own Republican Party and taking his message directly to the American people.

Trump assumed the presidency of a country still unsettled after a polarizing election and entered office with less support in polls than any other president in recent history. Trump won the majority of the US Electoral College vote, but lost the popular vote to his opponent, Hillary Clinton, by nearly 3 million votes, making any attempt to unify the country that much more difficult.

In a ceremony that capped a remarkable rise to power, Mr. Trump presented himself as the leader of a populist uprising to restore lost greatness. He outlined a dark vision of an America afflicted by “the ravages” of economic dislocation and foreign exploitation, requiring his can-do approach to turn around.

“I will fight for you with every breath in my body, and I will never, ever let you down,” Mr. Trump told hundreds of thousands of rain-soaked admirers and onlookers in a forceful 16-minute Inaugural Address from the West Front of the Capitol. “America will start winning again, winning like never before. We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams.”

According to analysts, Trump did nothing to dispel concerns that he would bring the cult of personality he built over the election campaign into the White House, and he offered little in the way of olive branches to the tens of millions of Americans who did not vote for him in the most divisive election in modern US history. A former reality TV star,

Donald Trump offered an apocalyptic vision of reality: an America besieged by crime, immigration, terrorism and unfair trade deals. “The American carnage stops right here and stops right now,” he pledged, as he presented himself as a champion of the ordinary American.

“The gloomy picture Trump sketched of the nation flies in the face of evidence that the economy is in healthy shape, crime is down and the nation is relatively safe and secure,” wrote James Olipher of the Reuters. “He did nothing to dispel concerns that he would bring the cult of personality he built over the election campaign into the White House, and he offered little in the way of olive branches to the tens of millions of Americans who did not vote for him in the most divisive election in modern U.S. history,” her added.

After warning the public on the extent of the problems, Trump suggested, as he did during his campaign, that he and his “movement” are the only solution. He did not mention the Republicans in Congress with whom he will partner to govern and certainly not the Democrats who have fiercely opposed him.

“We are transferring power from Washington D.C. and giving it back to you, the American people.” Trump campaigned as an outsider, railing against the sins of both his Republican Party and the Democratic Party. And, it became clear as he delivered his speech on the steps of the Capitol, that he intends to remain that outsider, the rebel leader who takes power with one foot still on the battlefield.

In Trump’s speech, historians said, there were echoes of Franklin D. Roosevelt with Trump mentioning “the forgotten” Americans left behind by the forces of trade and globalization, of Richard Nixon’s “silent majority”, and of Ronald Reagan’s pledge to restore the nation’s greatness.

Trump has told visitors in recent weeks that he had looked to the inaugural addresses of Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy for inspiration. There were echoes of both in his words: Reagan’s blunt rejection of the Washington status quo (“government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem”), and Kennedy’s call to join a grand national project (“the torch has been passed to a new generation”).

But Mr. Trump did not have the uplifting vision with which Mr. Reagan ended his speech. And he attached his Kennedy-like promise to send forth a message to his campaign slogan “America First.” According to him, “We will seek friendship and good will with the nations of the world,” he said. “But we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first.”

He got started right away with rolling back the policies of his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, by issuing orders freezing new regulations from recent weeks and ordering agencies to “ease the burden” of the Affordable Care Act during the transition from repealing to replacing the law. He also concluded the NAFTA treaty relieving the US of its obligations to the world treaty that Obama had signed years ago.

Trump spent little time trying to expand his appeal to the majority of Americans who view him unfavorably, according to opinion polls. Instead, he appeared to speak directly to his most fervent supporters.

Hours before his departure, outgoing President Barack Obama posted on Twitter to thank followers and hint that he would not fade away. “I won’t stop,” he said. “I’ll be right there with you as a citizen, inspired by your voices of truth and justice, good humor, and love.”

Neil Patel expected Trump Administration job

January 27, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Neil Patel, an Indian American White House veteran who worked as a policy adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney during the George W. Bush presidency, is in talks with President-elect Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner about a potential role in the White House.

As per a CNN report, the discussions between Patel and Kushner Jan. 19, citing sources with knowledge of the transition. The source told CNN that Kushner informally offered Patel a position, and both agreed it’s contingent on them meeting in person to discuss the details, the report said.

Additionally, a transition official said that Patel had met with Kushner, but it was one of many meetings Kushner has had. Patel, a lawyer, is considered by members of the GOP Party as “extremely smart and capable,” and said he is a “serious policy person” who would be an asset to Kushner and the Trump White House, CNN reported.

Following his time as adviser to Cheney, Patel co-founded conservative news blog “The Daily Caller.” He also previously served as Cheney’s adviser Scooter Libby’s deputy. He was also nominated by the Bush White House to run the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, but he was not confirmed.

A graduate of Worcester Academy, Patel received his Bachelors’ from Trinity College. Patel also has a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the Georgetown University Law Center, where he was an associate editor of the Journal of Law and Policy in International Business.

These were the two best years in India-US ties, says Ambassador Richard Verma

January 27, 2017 Staff ReporterIndia, U.S. 0

US ambassador Richard Verma described the period he has been serving as US Envoy in New Delhi as “the two best years we’ve ever had. Our leaders have met nine times, held three summits, rolled out 100 new initiatives and over 40 government-togovernment dialogues,” Verma told the media. “This has led to big things – the Westinghouse nuclear contract, Paris climate agreement, major defence partner elevation… We are doing more with each other than ever before.”

As outgoing US President Barack Obama and PM Narendra Modi held their last official conversation on phone reviewing the progress in bilateral relations since the BJP-led government came to power last week.

After clearing the nuclear liability hurdle, India and Westinghouse are on the verge of signing the commercial contract for nuclear reactors, Verma said. “We have set a goal for this summer to complete commercial contract with Westinghouse. Thus far, we have met our milestones to submit commercial offer, teams met to discuss financing … Now it’s a matter of getting the final terms of the contract signed. The land has been allocated, we’re excited,” the outgoing ambassador said.

However, NSG membership for India has eluded the grasp of bilateral diplomacy .”This is part of a larger commitment President Obama made in 2010, that India should have a seat in international institutions and regimes that is consistent with its role … This is not 1945 any more.We have worked with India to get entry into MTCR, the membership process to Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement are moving well,” he said.

The NSG talks may slow down due to the transition in the US, but the Rafael Grossi process (former NSG chief ‘s initiative to facilitate India’s membership) is more or less complete. “It looked at how to handle non-NPT countries entering the NSG process …We have come to a consensus on the criteria,” he said.

He said in the past few years, the defence relationship has jumped to a whole new level. “Prime Minister Modi told the US Congress last year that it is in America’s strategic interest for India to be strong and prosperous. President Obama believes in it. We are trying to bolster capabilities across sectors like cyber, defenc etc. These are engines of job creationboth in India and the US,” Verma said.

“Secretary Ashton Carter proposed new projects – one for vertical lift helicopter that we would co-develop and a ground combat vehicle. Now, with the LEMOA signed, our two militaries can interact with each other with greater ease,” he said. The US, Verma said, is consulting with India on an aircraft carrier.

The Indian Ocean strategic vision document signed by Obama and Modi in January 2015 changed the strategic outlook for India. Verma said, “It’s foundational to the work we’ve done. It’s actually a collective vision for the Asia-Pacific, where we see a leadership role for India. As a result of this statement, the governments of India, Japan and US elevated their trilateral to the ministerial level, Japan was re-inducted into Malabar exercises, there has been greater intelligence cooperation and sharing of information, we have stood up together for free flow of commerce, respect for UNCLOS, freedom of navigation.” The movement against terrorism, the US ambassador said, has continued apace.

Rupen R. Shah confirmed to be judge in Virginia

January 27, 2017 Staff ReporterU.S. 0

Rupen R. Shah, an Indian American prosecutor who was the chief deputy of the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office in Virginia, has been confirmed as a judge of the 25th Judicial District. According to a report on newsvirginian.com, Shah’s six-year term will begin Feb. 1.

Making the announcement Jan. 19, the local assembly delegation noted that Shah is the first Indian American judge elected in the Commonwealth, according to a report in the Augusta Free Press. “It was an honor for us to put forward for consideration and to vote for the confirmation” of Shah, the delegation said in a statement, adding, Shah’s “commitment to serve the people of the Commonwealth in this manner is to be commended.”

Tim Martin, the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney, said Shah is deserving of the judgeship. “The bottom line is he is an excellent choice,” Martin was quoted as saying on the website. “I will miss him both personally and professionally. Our office’s great loss is the judiciary’s gain.” Shah has worked as a prosecutor in Augusta County for more than 20 years, Martin said.

In 2015, Shah was named a “Leader of the Law,” an award from Virginia Lawyers Media that recognizes attorneys for serving their community, changing the law, and improving Virginia’s legal system, according to a report on nbc29.com.

Shah said at that time he was proud of the work he has done to change laws for synthetic marijuana and making financial institutions more open to law enforcement. Shah has served on the executive committee and council of the Virginia State Bar and also as chair of the Diversity Conference of the Virginia State Bar.

He was recognized by the State Bar as a local leader of the year 2009 and also served as president of the Augusta County Bar Association from 2008-2009. The Indian American also has extensive experience in teaching law. Shah, who has a law degree from New York’s Syracuse University, founded the non-profit Valley Children’s Center, which helps law enforcement and Child Protective Services workers interview abused and neglected children.

Vanita Gupta fears Civil Rights Law will change dramatically under Trump

January 27, 2017 Ajay GhoshU.S. 0

Vanita Gupta, chief of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights division, stepped down from her post last week as President-elect Donald Trump prepared to launch his administration, says the Civil Rights Law will change dramatically under President Donald Trump.

The Indian American lawyer was appointed to the position in 2014. In the Obama administration, the Justice Department often took on an advocacy role, championing the rights of minorities, especially the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. In a landmark move last year, Gupta sent a letter to every public school in the country, telling them to allow transgender students to use bathrooms that conformed with their gender identity.

As per a NY Times report, in the final weeks of the Obama administration, the Justice Department won the first hate-crime case involving a transgender victim and sued two cities for blocking mosques from opening. Prosecutors settled lending-discrimination charges with two banks, then sued a third. They filed legal briefs on behalf of New York teenagers being held in solitary confinement, and accused Louisiana of forcing mentally ill patients into nursing homes.

And then, with days remaining, prosecutors announced a deal to overhaul Baltimore’s Police Department and accused Chicago of unconstitutional police abuses. During Obama’s two terms in office, the DOJ’s Civil Rights division has opened 25 civil pattern-or-practice investigations into local law enforcement agencies to investigate allegations of misconduct, including excessive force; unlawful stops, searches and arrests; and discriminatory policing, among others, reported the Washington Post.

Much of the division’s work requires “culture change in institutions or requires change, sustained change over a term of years,” Gupta said, in an interview with the Washington Post. The attorney said she had anxieties about whether the Trump administration would continue the work, especially under the leadership of Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, Trump’s nominee to head up the Justice Department.

“The project of civil rights has always demanded creativity,” Gupta said in an interview with the New York Times. “It requires being bold. Often that means going against the grain of currentday popular thinking. Or it requires going to the more expansive reading of the law to ensure we are actually ensuring equal protection for everyone.” “(You) bend the arc of history itself — not merely by serving your clients, but by harnessing the law as a force for positive change,” she said.

TheUNN Corporation

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