USCIS tightens photo rules for immigration documents

IANS | December 13, 2025 6:53 AM

Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) As part of its effort to strengthen national security and curb identity fraud, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday issued new policy guidance sharply limiting how old a photograph can be when used to produce immigration documents.

US senators seek to overturn Trump rule hitting Indian H-1B spouses

IANS | December 13, 2025 6:47 AM

Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) A group of influential US senators have introduved a legislation in the Senate to overturn a Trump administration rule that ends automatic renewals of work permits for certain noncitizens, a policy change that could sharply affect Indian nationals, particularly spouses of H-1B visa holders who form a significant share of the impacted workforce.

Ukraine war redraws defence supply chains, brings India into strategic discussion

IANS | December 13, 2025 6:42 AM

Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) European allies are moving beyond emergency military aid to Ukraine toward long-term defence industrial partnerships as Russia’s war grinds on, a shift that is also prompting efforts to diversify global supply chains away from China, with India cited as part of that discussion, officials and experts said here.

20 US states sue Trump over $100,000 H-1B visa fee

IANS | December 13, 2025 6:37 AM

Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) Twenty US states filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, arguing the policy is unlawful and threatens essential public services.

US envoy nominee flags China concerns, backs Sri Lanka reforms

IANS | December 13, 2025 6:26 AM

Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) American President Donald Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to Sri Lanka told lawmakers that Washington will prioritise maritime security, economic reforms and countering China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean nation, as Sri Lanka seeks recovery from its 2022 economic crisis and a devastating cyclone this year.

Trump diverted over $2 billion in military funds for immigration: Report

IANS | December 13, 2025 6:19 AM

Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) The Trump administration diverted more than $2 billion from US military funds in 2025 to support immigration enforcement operations, weakening military readiness and straining servicemembers, according to a report released by Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

India, Austria review bilateral ties, discuss regional and global developments

IANS | December 12, 2025 11:25 PM

Vienna, Dec 12 (IANS) India and Austria held 8th Foreign Office Consultations in Vienna on Friday and undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of bilateral ties. The two sides held discussions over various sectors, including political engagement, trade and economic cooperation, science and technology, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties.