US lawmakers urge Trump admin to exempt doctors from H-1B fee

IANS | January 15, 2026 10:58 AM

Washington, Jan 15 (IANS) A group of US lawmakers have urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to exempt health care professionals from a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, warning that the policy is straining hospitals and could worsen critical workforce shortages across the country.

Democrats assail Trump's move to freeze immigrant visas

IANS | January 15, 2026 10:50 AM

Washington, Jan 15 (IANS) Senior Democrats sharply criticised the Trump administration after it moved to halt immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, calling the decision discriminatory, harmful to families, and damaging to US economic and moral standing.

US launches phase two of Gaza peace plan, announces technocratic rule

IANS | January 15, 2026 8:17 AM

Washington, Jan 15 (IANS) The United States has moved Gaza into a new post-war political framework by approving a technocratic administration and launching phase two of President Donald Trump’s plan to end the conflict, marking the first explicit US-backed effort to remove both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from governance in the territory.

Venezuela 'leaker' jailed, says Trump, cites oil delivery from Caracas

IANS | January 15, 2026 8:03 AM

Washington, Jan 15 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said a government leaker linked to Venezuela has been identified and is now in jail, as he also pointed to what he described as improved engagement with Caracas, including the delivery of oil to the United States.