According to a report, Google swiftly filed H1B visa applications for international H1B hires, including software engineers, consultants, researchers, and various other roles, just a month after Sundar Pichai’s announcement of the company’s plan to cut 12,000 jobs.
SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Even as global tech giants are carrying out mass layoffs, several top Silicon Valley companies are reportedly looking to hire lower-paid tech workers from foreign countries. Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Zoom, Salesforce and Palantir have applied for thousands of H1B worker visas this year, according to a US Department of Labor data, reported independent investigative journalist Lee Fang.
Ironically, thousands of workers on H1B visa, including Indians, have been affected by the layoffs in the United States, with many taking to social media to share the news and seek new opportunities.
Just a month after Sundar Pichai announced Google’s plan to cut 12,000 jobs around the world in January, the company filed applications for H1B visas to hire software engineers, analytical consultants, user experience researchers and other roles from outside the United States, with several requests aimed for new Google employees to join in August, the report states. Google parent Alphabet owned Waymo too has reportedly filed similar H1B applications to hire engineers. Meta has laid off nearly 25 per cent of its estimated workforce in just a few months in what CEO Mark Zuckerberg has called the company’s “year of efficiency” as the US tech sector continues to downsize. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy in March laid out a plan to cut 9,000 more jobs from the online retail giant’s workforce, following the 18,000 that were axed in January.
The layoffs account for a smaller percentage of Amazon’s total workforce, which ran up to 1.5 million people in December 2022, than the cuts seen at some other tech giants.
Jassy told workers that the extra layoffs were necessary as the company seeks to downsize after years of hiring, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic when people turned to the internet for shopping.
In January, Microsoft said it would eliminate 10,000 jobs, almost 5 per cent of the global workforce, as it braces for a potential recession. In an email to employees, CEO Satya Nadella said, “While we are eliminating roles in some areas, we will continue to hire in key strategic areas.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): More than 150 Thousand people from across the world will participate in the fourth World Culture Festival which is being organized by the Art of Living Foundation here later this year, the organizers have announced. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser along with spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar kicked off the preparation of the mega event, which is often called the Cultural Olympics.
According to the organizers, more than 150,000 visitors from around 180 countries are likely to participate in the three-day mega event that will be held here from September 29 to October 1 this year.
”It is the mission of this time together that we come together as world citizens, as fellow humans, to celebrate our humanity, to reconnect, to demonstrate, that we can do big things when we work across cultures, when we work across backgrounds and beliefs and work as human beings to make this a better world,” Mayor Bowser told reporters at a news conference here on Thursday that was jointly addressed by Sri Ravishankar.
Praising the significance of such events, she said: ”We’re expecting to welcome over a hundred thousand people, I’m told more, from more than 180 countries will come to our National Mall. And you won’t be surprised that I’m gonna say that this is the perfect place for the world to come together. We do it every single day”.
”I want to thank the World Culture Festival organizers and the Art of Living Foundation in advance for the hard work that we have ahead of us in partnership to welcome tens of thousands of human beings to Washington, DC,” the city mayor said.
Sri Ravishankar said that so far more than 50,000 people have already registered for the mega cultural festival in the city on the historic National Mall in the US capital. The previous three editions of the once-in-four years’ World Culture Festival were held in Bangalore, Berlin and New Delhi.
”It’s time that we have to spread the message of harmony and peace. … In a world where there is a post-pandemic, especially when there is an aggression on one side and depression on the other side, and a huge mental health crisis that we are facing, I think it’s timely for us to come together in a spirit of celebration and honor our diversity, which is the wealth of humanity,” Sri Ravishankar said. He also announced that the Art of Living Foundation will honor frontline workers and health workers during the festival.
”We would choose two of them from the whole of the country here, United States, and would like to honor two healthcare professionals, workers; two of the firemen who have been fighting fire, two environmentalists, and then two from union leaders who are putting their heart and soul to keep life going on, on our cities and our countryside.
”We need to honor these people. And the World Culture Festival will be an occasion to recognize their contribution to our society,” he said.
The three-day event at the National Mall would be seen by billions of people across the world.
”So, the message is very clear from all of us that we are one global family and we need to care for each other and share our rich heritage with each other,” Sri Ravishankar said.
”We need to bridge the gap. There is a lot of polarizations in the world. The World Culture Festival is an occasion for people to come together and celebrate each other’s differences. It is the need of the hour, to bring people together in celebration and to spread the message of peace and to say that we are one human family,” he said. He said the World Culture Festival is expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors.
According to city officials, this festival is expected to rake in over USD 30 million in revenue.
Art of Living Foundation said at least 50 world leaders, including current and former heads of state, members of national parliaments and international governmental organizations, have already committed to attending the Festival. Prominent among them include former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Chan Santokhi, President of Suriname; Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius; Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico; Federico Franco, former President of Paraguay and Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President of India. A global Faith Advisory Council is being convened in support of the World Culture Festival.
The Council, composed of leaders from faiths of the world, will share messages about common values of peace, harmony and partnership to nurture greater unity and togetherness, a media release said.
In addition, there will be a diverse international food festival associated with the event that is expected to attract thousands to sample international cuisines made by chefs from around the capital region.
(With inputs from PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy wants to raise the voting age for most Americans to 25, unless they do at least six months of military service or pass a civic test given to immigrants.
Ramaswamy’s campaign announced the biotech entrepreneur and “anti-woke” activist’s push for a US Constitutional amendment promoting “civic duty voting,” which he announced in a news release and detailed during a campaign event in Urbandale, Iowa, Thursday.
Suggesting the “absence of national pride is a serious threat to the future of our country” Ramaswamy argued his proposal “can create a sense of shared purpose and responsibility amongst young Americans to become educated citizens.”
On Twitter during his Iowa event, Ramaswamy acknowledged, “I understand not everyone will like this proposal and that it will take persuasion to convince many of its merits, but I’m ready to take that on.”
At age 37, Ramaswamy is the youngest person competing for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination in a field that already includes several candidates in their 70s, including former President Donald Trump and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. Fellow Indian American rival, former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, 51, has made the call for a new generation of political leadership central to her campaign, even positing that cognitive testing should be required for older politicians.
As part of his proposal, Ramaswamy argued that his plan would require “no additional government bureaucracy” to administer, saying debate generated by his proposal “will itself catalyze a long overdue conversation in America about what it means to be a citizen and how to foster civic pride in the next generation.”
“There needs to be some civic experience you need to have gone through in order to actually vote,” Ramaswamy told Media earlier. “That experience could be living seven years as an adult and voting at age 25. That experience could be direct service to the country or some first responder service,” or, he added, passing a civics test.
The founding fathers didn’t get it “quite right” when they tied the right to vote to land ownership, Ramaswamy was quoted as saying. Similarly, it was wrong to have denied a vote to women and African Americans, he said.
But there’s something to the notion that “you value a country more — you value anything more, including a country — that you don’t just simply inherit, but that you have a stake in building and creating in some way,” he said. Ramaswamy acknowledged to Media that there had been “vehement objections” from his team. But, he added, “we’re doing it.”
Dismissing the idea that his proposal would discriminate against a certain group of citizens, Ramaswamy said, “My response to that is, the objective is not to stop people from voting. It’s to value voting itself and everybody’s equal and on the same foot at the age of 25 and onward.”
The national voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 with the passage of the 26th Amendment in 1971.
After Republicans’ less than stellar performance in last year’s midterm elections, a handful of conservative commentators called for raising the voting age, though the idea failed to gain significant traction, media noted.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A senior US official on Monday, May 15, said far too many governments, including Russia, India, China and Saudi Arabia, continue to freely target faith community members, as the state department released its Congressional-mandatory annual report on international religious freedom that documents the status of religious freedom in countries across the world. “Far too many governments continue to freely target faith community members within their borders,” Rashad Hussain, Ambassador at Large, Office of International Religious Freedom, told reporters at a news conference here soon after the annual 2022 “Report on International Religious Freedom” was released by Secretary of State Tony Blinken.
The report provides a fact-based, comprehensive view of the state of religious freedom in nearly 200 countries and territories around the world, Blinken said, noting that it aims to highlight areas where freedom of religion or belief is being repressed to promote accountability and ultimately, drive progress toward a world where freedom of religion or belief is a reality for everyone everywhere.
Blinken did not mention India in his remarks and the India section of the annual report is almost similar to that of the previous years, which is more or less a documentation of allegations of violation of religious freedom raised by multiple media outlets and non-governmental organizations inside and outside the country.
Hussain mentioned India in the context of the key findings of the report in terms of governments continuing to freely target faith communities.
“In India, legal advocates and faith leaders from across the country’s diverse religious communities condemned a case of extreme hate speech against Muslims in the city of Haridwar, calling for the country to uphold its historical traditions of pluralism and tolerance. And the Burma military regime continues to repress the Rohingya population, causing many to flee their homes,” Hussain said as he listed out a few other countries starting with Russia and followed by China and Afghanistan.
“I would like to share some key findings from this year’s report regarding religious discrimination and hatred at the governmental and societal levels and describe what we are doing to address it,” Hussain said.
The India section of the document said there were numerous reports during the year of violence by law enforcement authorities against members of religious minorities in multiple states, including plainclothes police in Gujarat publicly flogging four Muslim men accused of injuring Hindu worshippers during a festival in October and the Madhya Pradesh government bulldozing Muslim-owned houses and shops following communal violence in Khargone in April. The report noted that in September, Rasthtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat met with five prominent members of the Muslim community to listen to their concerns and discuss how to promote communal harmony between Muslims and Hindus. “Bhagwat reportedly committed to continued meetings for the purpose of improving relations between the Muslim and Hindu communities. Bhagwat also met with Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, head of the All India Imam Organization, at a Delhi-area madrassah run by that organization. Media reported that some Muslim groups welcomed Bhagwat’s engagement, while others described it as ‘just optics’ and preparation for the 2024 parliamentary elections,” it said.
“In 2021, Bhagwat had stated publicly that Hindus and Muslims in the country should not be treated differently because of religion and that killing non-Hindus for cow slaughter was an act against Hinduism,” the report said.
In a statement, US Commission for International Religious Freedom Chair Nury Turkel said the International Religious Freedom Report is an invaluable tool in the fight to hold violators accountable and improve global religious freedom conditions. “With this report, the state department shows the entire world that the United States is committed to the fundamental value of religious freedom,” he said.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has called for legal immigration based on merit, talent and business needs and would stop allowing any immigrants into the country before immigration reform. Legal immigration should be dependent on factors such as merit, talent and business needs, she told the media on Sunday, May 14. “Let’s not do it just because people happen to cross the fence and get away,” Haley said. “Let’s not do it because we have crowded facilities and we can’t hold anymore. That’s the wrong way to go about it. We have to make sure this is a national security issue.”
“We shouldn’t wait for another 9/11 to realize that Republicans and Democrats have to get in the room and figure out immigration reform and start working for the American people instead of the other way around,” she added.
Haley, first Indian American to serve in a presidential cabinet as US ambassador to UN under former President Donald Trump also distanced herself from Trump’s policy of separating migrant children from their parents.
It happened because lawmakers have long been at a stalemate on immigration reform, she said. “It should never get to that point.” Haley said when asked if she would revive the controversial policy as a deterrence to illegal border crossings. “No, we should not be separating families, but we shouldn’t be taking families that we don’t have any control over.” Before Title 42 — a pandemic-era emergency rule that allowed the Trump and Biden administrations to expel migrants without court hearings — ended last week, Customs and Border Protection apprehensions hit all-time highs.
Haley blamed the crisis at the border on both Republicans and Democrats, saying it “should have been dealt with a long time ago and it wasn’t.” She indicated she would stop allowing any immigrants into the country until immigration reform is passed. “I think we need to stop the bleeding of the border and completely do immigration reform before we can think of taking anybody else into this country,” she said.
On the issue of abortion, Haley, who describes herself as against abortion, said instituting a federal abortion ban is not “realistic.”
“I’m not going to lie to the American people. Nothing’s going to happen if we don’t get 60 votes in the Senate. We’re not even close to that on the Republican or the Democrat side,” she said when asked about what kind of limits on abortion she would seek if elected president. “At the federal level, it’s not realistic. It’s not being honest with the American people,” she added. “Why not talk about the fact that we should be trying to save as many babies as possible and support as many mothers as possible?”
She called for the elimination of “late-term abortions,” and voiced support for adoption and increased access to contraception. As governor in 2016, she signed a law that banned abortions in South Carolina after 20 weeks.
“You know, there’s some states that have been pro-life, I welcome that. There are some states that have erred on the side of abortion. I wish that wasn’t the case, but it is. I think that we need to make sure that people’s voices are heard,” Haley said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Trump-era Attorney General Bill Barr says he believes former President Donald Trump will be “very exposed” legally if he was playing “any games” with the documents marked as classified that were kept at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
In an interview with CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge Thursday, May 18, Barr also said he thinks special counsel Jack Smith could arrive at charging decisions in the Trump investigations as soon as this summer. Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to probe Trump’s retention of the documents, and his role in any alleged unlawful interference in the transfer of power after the 2020 election or the Electoral College certification on Jan. 6, 2021.
Mar-a-Lago documents
Barr believes the special counsel investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents, in particular, should be cause for concern for the former president.
“It doesn’t go a lot on intent or anything like that. It’s very clear that he had no business having those documents,” Barr told Herridge. “He was given a long time to send them back. And they were subpoenaed. And I’ve said all along that he wouldn’t get in trouble, probably, just for taking them, just as Biden I don’t think is going to get in trouble or Pence is not going to get in trouble.”
“The problem,” he continued, “is what did he do after the government asked for them back and subpoenaed them? And if there’s any games being played there, he’s going to be very exposed.”Barr also thinks Trump’s claim in a recent CNN town hall that he was declassifying records as they left the White House isn’t going to satisfy the special counsel. Trump said in the town hall that he “took what I took, and it gets declassified.”
“I don’t think that argument’s gonna fly,” Barr responded. “I don’t think the idea that you know, he automatically — that they were somehow automatically declassified when they were put in the boxes. I don’t think that will fly.”
In a recent letter to Congress, Trump’s lawyers said the Justice Department should “stand down” on the probe. They also suggested the former president’s departure from the White House after the election was hastily conducted and staff “simply swept all documents from the president’s desk and other areas into boxes” that were then moved to Florida.
Jan. 6
The Jan. 6 investigation is going to be “harder to establish a case,” because it could run up against First Amendment issues and also, much of the case relies on proving intent, Barr said. The former attorney general estimated that charging decisions in Smith’s investigation related to Trump, his actions around Jan. 6 and the Mar-a-Lago documents could come as soon as this summer.
“My guess is that, and this is just, I’m speculating, but I would think they’d want to do it before the end of the year. It could be later in the summer or in the fall would be the earliest I would expect it,” Barr said.
Trump denies all wrongdoing in both investigations.
The Durham report
Barr, who appointed special counsel John Durham to look into the origins of the Russia investigation, said a successful probe isn’t necessarily measured by how many people were prosecuted. One person pleaded guilty and two others were acquitted in the four-year probe. Durham’s report, released on Monday, found the Justice Department and FBI “failed to uphold their important mission of strict fidelity to the law” regarding the events during the 2016 campaign.
“I’ve said all along that’s dangerous to get into the business of saying that the standard is how many people you prosecute, because the object here was to find out what happened and to tell the story, to get to the bottom of it,” Barr said. “I think accountability looks like if people pay attention to the truth,” Barr added. “I mean, there was a lot of attention paid by the media to all the little details that they thought implicated Trump in collusion with Russia, all of which were nonsense. And yet, we had a two-year steady diet of this nonsense from the media. Now they should pay attention to the actual facts in the report. And that’s what accountability looks like.”
Predicts Trump will be defeated in 2024 GOP primary race
Barr continues to believe Trump will not win the Republican nomination next year. But he isn’t sure who will.
He’s also not convinced stricter abortion laws in the states are a winning issue for Republicans.
Barr, who said he’s always been a “pro-life Republican” and continues his work to support this position, is glad Roe v. Wade was overturned. “But there’s a distinction between what people like me and other pro-lifers believe, you know, is the moral principle and what we actually embody in our specific secular laws,” he told Herridge. He added, “I think we have to be judicious in what we propose as a law because I think the laws have to have substantial support among the people, have to reflect some kind of consensus, and it has to be a durable solution.”
“We’re talking about rules and restrictions placed on other people,” Barr said. “And I think we have to be very careful about that. It’s not about us demonstrating our purity. It’s about finding something that allows us to live together in a stable way.”
2000+ Turbans tied on people to educate about the significance of the Turban
A group of turbaned happy young ladies at Times Square Turban Day festival on May 6.A turbaned Chuck Schumer with organizers.
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Ritu Saluja told The Indian Panorama that “Turban is a Sikh’s crown and stands for Equality, Justice, and Humanity. We celebrated Turban Day this year on May 06 at Times Square, as an expression of Sikh faith and commitment to serve humanity. The purpose of organizing this event every year is to bring awareness among all citizens about Turban and its value in Sikh faith.” Tanu Singh added : “Considering the unfortunate discrimination and hate crimes faced by Sikhs who wear or tie turbans, we believe that it is more important than ever to break down barriers between different communities. This event represents a unique opportunity to tackle these issues and unite people in the spirit of respect and education.”
The turban is an integral part of Sikh identity and has been worn by Sikhs for centuries. It not only represents the core values of our faith, but also signifies the responsibility to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background, race, or religion. By participating in Turban Day, people who might not know can learn more about the importance of the Sikh turban.
A young lady looks into a mirror as a Sikh police officer ties a turban on her head.
To support this event and Sikh community in America, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York took to the stage and shared his views on how Sikh community has always been an integral part of the American society “We love the Sikh community, and it is a beautiful community. We welcome you as New Yorker’s and as Americans. You work hard, you believe in family, you have a great faith, and you help build and create our great community” He mentioned about passing the Asian Anti Hate crime bill to prosecute any action of hate, bigotry, and violence. He showed his solidarity to the Sikh community by wearing the Turban and shook a leg to famous Punjabi music.
A bemused young turbaned kid in a pram holds a book on Turban.
Besides tying more than 2000 colorful turbans on any fellow human coming from any background, skin color, religion and status, there were multiple artists from the Sikh community showcasing their culture and heritage.
Young musicians from the Sikh Symphony California performed 31 ragas in 13 different taals (beats) using multiple Indian classical string instruments such as sitar, rabab, taus and tabla.
A turbaned mother and her turbaned child pose for a photograph.
Musician Biba Singh performed some popular numbers and multiple artists performed Bhangra and folk dance Gidda bringing attendees together to dance and enjoy music. Famous Bollywood artist Manmeet Singh (actor/writer/director) had a message for everyone “For a Sikh the Turban represents love, hard work and humility. When seen from away, for anyone in distress it indicates that they can come to a Sikh and seek help and support and no matter what the situation is they will be assisted”
Turban Day at Times Square is organized by Turban Day Inc. and is the largest turban tying event in the world.
“We have been running this event since 2016 and have tied more than 20,000 turbans over the years with the goal of educating more people. We firmly believe that knowledge and understanding are the most effective tools for combatting discrimination and building bridges between communities”, said Ritu Saluja. For any further queries contact: Tanu Singh or Ritu Saluja at contact@turbanday.org Follow us on: https://turbanday.org/ https://www.instagram.com/sikhsofny/ https://www.youtube.com/@TurbanDay
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said of the Sikh community : “We love the Sikh community, and it is a beautiful community.”Young musicians from the Sikh Symphony California performed 31 ragas in 13 different taals (beats)Artists performing Bhangra.Milling crowds spilling enthusiasm.A rare distinction: Guinness Book record for “the most turbans tied in 8 hours”.
A Sikh cab driver Sukhcharn Singh rescues the harassed family
NEW YORK (TIP): Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, were trailed in their car by photographers as they left a New York City charity event Tuesday, May 16 night, briefly taking refuge at a police station before being whisked away in a yellow taxicab, according to the media reports.
The royal couple set off alarms when their spokesperson claimed Wednesday, May 16 that they had been dangerously pursued by paparazzi in a “near catastrophic car chase” through the streets of Manhattan. That account led New York City Mayor Eric Adams to condemn the paparazzi chasing them as “reckless and irresponsible.” Later, though, police said the pursuit was relatively short and led to no injuries, collisions or arrests, and warranted no further investigation. Still, it drove home real security concerns surrounding the royal couple and the trauma brought on by the death of Harry’s mother when he was just 12 years old.
The cab driver who drove them from the police station said he instantly recognized his passengers and that paparazzi “were following us the whole time,” though he said he wouldn’t call it a chase.
“They had this look on their faces,” the driver, Sukhcharn Singh, said. “All of a sudden paparazzi came out and started taking pictures.” Police issued a short statement confirming an incident Tuesday night involving photographers and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were accompanied by Meghan’s mother.
In New York on Tuesday night, the couple left Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Ballroom — where Meghan had just accepted the Ms. Foundation’s Woman of Vision Awards with Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown — and got into an SUV as crowds of pedestrians and photographers gawked, according to video posted to social media.
Harry and Meghan’s vehicle was then followed by photographers in a scene that their office said “resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers.” The couple’s office called the incident “near catastrophic.” Police intervened and, assisting the couple’s private security detail, led them to a police station about 18 blocks from the ballroom, a law enforcement official said.
The couple spent several minutes at the police station, waiting for the situation to de-escalate. Once it was safe, they left in a taxi, according to the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter and did so on condition of anonymity.“While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety,” the couple’s office said in a statement. Singh, the cab driver, said it was one of the couple’s private security guards who flagged him down as he drove on 67th Street near the police station. Singh pulled the yellow taxi to the curb and in came Harry, Meghan and her mother.
“They didn’t say much,” Singh said. “They just asked my name and then after that Harry said thanks and have a good day.”
They paid $17 in fare — and left a generous tip.
(With inputs from news agency reports)
ALBANY, NY (TIP): Michelle Wang was honored as a Woman of Distinction last night at the State Capitol. Michelle is President of the New York Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA) and a longtime community leader in New York City’s AAPI community, serving in leadership positions on multiple community organizations and volunteering her time to promote AAPI leadership and increase civic engagement. State Senator John Liu presented her with a plaque in recognition of her service and commitment to the community in a ceremony presided over by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins.
State Senator John Liu stated, “Michelle Wang has dedicated many years to the civic engagement and empowerment of the Asian American community. From serving on the New York State Electoral College during the 2020 presidential election to her outstanding work in creating educational and career opportunities for AAPI youth, Michelle is always the first in line to be on the front lines. For her inspiring commitment to our community, we offer our sincere gratitude and proudly name her a Woman of Distinction.”
Michelle Wang stated, “I am so honored for this recognition to be named among the state of New York’s Women of Distinction. I have always strived to do everything in my power to strengthen and uplift our community, and this reward serves as an acknowledgement of both the importance of that work and of why it is imperative that our AAPI community continue to get involved. There is always more work to be done, and with this recognition, I commit to working even harder to increase representation and participation so that together we can build a better world that is representative of all voices and communities.” Michelle Wang arrived in New York from Shanghai in 1988, at age 22, to pursue a Master’s degree. In 1993, she and her husband started a small business, and have maintained a real estate management firm for over two decades.
In 2013, Ms. Wang joined Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), a reputable non-profit organization with 40-plus chapters nationwide. In addition to serving on the national governing board that oversees the organization’s operation, Ms. Wang serves as President of APAPA’s New York Chapter and Chair of APAPA’s Northeast Region. At APAPA, she works with people to create educational and career opportunities for the AAPI community and fight against discriminatory practices and policies. In addition, Ms. Wang has been proud to serve on the advisory board of the New York Women’s Suffrage Commission since 2016.
Since serving as a chaperone for her son’s kindergarten classroom, Ms. Wang has devoted a significant part of her time to volunteer activities. She coordinated the Huang Pu Veterans Association’s annual event and led the Huang Pu veterans in the New York City Veterans Day Parade for years. Ms. Wang is a dedicated supporter and advocate in her community. She has been a Board Director of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of New York since 2013, and a Board Director of the Junior Chamber since 2015. Working together at the Chamber, Ms. Wang has assisted many small business entities with various inquiries and hosted numerous events that served the community. Ms. Wang has managed FCBA’s Flushing Lunar New Year Parade’s stage setup since 2018. She currently serves as the Secretary of GNYTEAA, a non-profit association that has provided emergency services since 2017. Ms. Wang has been honored by Scott Stringer, the 44th New York City Comptroller, for her community service. She has also received numerous citations from various elected officials for her volunteer work, and proudly served as one of 29 electors for the New York State Electoral College in the 2020 Presidential Election. Ms. Wang is grateful for her family’s endless support, and loves her chihuahuas, Tink and Bella.
New York is projected to face a shortage of almost 40,000 nurses by the year 2030
ALBANY, NY (TIP): Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Monday, May 15 to strengthen New York’s health care workforce. The legislation will help address the state’s nursing shortage, and allow nursing programs to provide up to one third of a student’s clinical work in a high-tech simulation environment. This comes as the 2024 budget includes $967 million for the Wadsworth Laboratories in Albany. New York is projected to face a shortage of almost 40,000 nurses by the year 2030, Hochul said.
NEW YORK (TIP): The Consulate General of India, New York is organizing a Beach Cleanup Activity on Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 8.30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Jones Beach, Long Island, NY. Community Members have been invited to join the activity. They may register at
https://forms.gle/hCF9hb81p7KFeXRUA
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kVgGC8GHG4uqAwpi7
Participants may use the above address link which is for the East Bath House parking lot. The group will meet there at 8.30 A.M. Participating individuals may please pre-fill the volunteer service agreement which will be collected on their arrival. Bags and gloves will be distributed and Jones Beach administrators will go over some safety protocols before participants go out onto the beach. They will be collecting the full bags as needed.
For any queries, Mr. AK Vijaykrishnan, Consul, Community Affairs may be contacted at 917-244-1905.
Seton Hall University (shu.edu) hosts the 10th Annual New Jersey Big Data Alliance (NJBDA; njbda.org) Symposium, the state’s “premier conference for big data and advanced computing”. This year’s symposium will be held in person on May 9, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Seton Hall in the University Center. The NJBDA is an alliance of 18 higher education institutions, as well as industry and government members, that catalyzes collaboration in advanced computing and data analytics research, education and technology. The event theme this year, “Big Data in FinTech,” focuses on the opportunities in new development in the financial industry created by big data and financial technology.
The venue rotates among the partners in the NJBDA; previous hosts include New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Kean University, New Jersey City University, The College of New Jersey, Montclair State University, Rowan University, and Rutgers University.
REGISTRATION & TICKETS
Registration for the symposium is necessary and can be accessed at njbda.org/2023symposium
For the Symposium Schedule, visit njbda.org/2023symposium, and for Tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/2023-njbda-symposium-tickets-558984296077?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Manfred Minimair, professor in the department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Seton Hall, is chairperson of the 2023 NJBDA Symposium. “The annual symposium typically attracts a large number of attendees. We expect more than 150 people are expected to attend, including business professionals, New Jersey government representatives focused on economic development, and professors, students and staff from NJ colleges and universities,” he said.
The symposium will feature high-profile keynote speakers: George Calhoun, professor, founding director of the Quantitative Finance Program and executive director of the Hanlon Financial Systems Center at Stevens Institute of Technology; Kjersten Moody, chief data officer at Prudential Financial; and Stephen Ward, Cybersecurity expert and managing director at Insight Partners.
Additional sessions will cover a variety of interesting topics ranging from artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, workforce skills, regulatory issues to Cybersecurity.
“The symposium provides an excellent forum for professionals and students for networking and learning about the latest developments in Big Data and FinTech,” said Minimair.
ATTENDEES will have the opportunity to
Explore education and training of a Big Data Workforce with a focus on Big Data in FinTech.
Gain insights on cutting-edge research at New Jersey’s premier academic institutions.
Participate in relevant and valuable workshops.
Network with industry, government, academic leaders, and New Jersey Big Data Alliance members.
FACTS
NJBDA started 10 years ago.
NJBDA encompasses every 4-year university in NJ, and is expanding to community colleges
A growing number of corporate and government partners have come to rely on the NJBDA for research support, new ideas and help in workforce development and training.
NJBDA has been recognized and financially supported by the state of New Jersey for its efforts and leadership in the “big data” space.
NJ, with the right training programs and economic infrastructure, can become a nationwide and global leader in a wide area of high-end computing fields, including; Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Driven Financial Services, and even Electronic Gaming.
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
Learn more at shu.edu.
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NEXT TO MOM’S HOME-COOKING, SATISFYING EACH ONE’S PALATE?
By Mabel Pais
Give mama a break for Mother’s Day Weekend, if you’re attending the events at NJPAC, and take her and the entire family to a one-stop mama’s-like kitchen where each member of the family can celebrate Mother’s Day with a freshly-prepared, healthy, affordable, individualized meal served in a few minutes!
Welcome to The Salad House of Newark, New Jersey!
At The Salad House, there is a delicious, made-to-order menu item for everyone.
OWNERS & STAFF
You will be welcomed, on entering The Salad House, by the very friendly, courteous, attentive Mateo G. Muriel, Business Partner & Operational Director who in essence runs the restaurant. Mateo, 26, started his interest in the food business a little over a decade ago when he worked in a pizzeria kitchen with his buddy. His position in The Salad House “is to ensure the restaurant is running: the kitchen runs smoothly, protecting the investment by way of selling and marketing and satisfying” the palates of “his customers.” With his ability “to self-motivate and learn different kitchen skills, he was soon able to move from one task station to another and therefore learned the workings of the entire kitchen.” At The Salad House, he has the enjoyable and fulfilling responsibility of working with the kitchen staff, the customer-area and the overall operations of this fast-casual restaurant.
(standing: 3rd from right) Co-owner Erkan Okyar with kitchen staff. (Photo credit / The Salad House, Newark)
This Newark franchise of The Salad House is owned by Erkan Okyar, 47, and his son Berkay Okyar, 19. Erkan has been in the USA for over two decades and has been an investor and worked in hospitality management before owning The Salad House. Berkay has always loved food from a young age having a mother who is a chef-par-excellence in Turkish Mediterranean cuisine, baking and more. Both father and son share the philosophy that “every human deserves courtesy and respect.” Their mission in The Salad House is to treat people, whether staff or customers, as they themselves would want to be treated. They opened The Salad House Newark about 3 weeks ago.
THE SALAD HOUSE: FAST-CASUAL CUISINE
The Salad House, Newark – Business Partners: (left to right) – Erkan Okyar, Berkay Okyar, Mateo Muriel. (Photo credit / The Salad House, Newark)
The Salad House is not your typical fast-casual dining restaurant. With locations across New Jersey and soon-to-be in New York that serve up customizable salads, wraps, soups, and more, The Salad House offers a wide variety of fast and fresh options for everyone. At The Salad House, each and every dish is handmade to order.
The menu at The Salad House has a wide range of options, extending way beyond their amazingly delicious salads. From soups and sandwiches to grain bowls, wraps, smoothies, and more, they have something for everyone. They also specialize in accommodating customers with dietary restrictions or allergies. So, whether you are gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, or have a food allergy, they can ensure your health-safety and enjoyment.
Black & Bleu, a signature dish. (Photo credit / The Salad House, Newark)Create Your Own dish. Photo credit / The Salad House, Newark
Their signature items are ‘Black & Bleu’ and ‘Reel Love.’ Vegan options include a Beyond Meat California wrap, vegetarian offerings include the Greek Out salad, and gluten-free items like the Apple Waldy, Fiesta Chx or the Fit and Fueled salad, which provides a nutritionally balanced meal that has been curated by a Registered Dietitian. At The Salad House, there is a delicious, made-to-order menu item for everyone.
CUSTOMER POTENTIAL
Their potential patrons are The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the New Jersey Symphony (NJS), the surrounding hospital staff and student population navigating their staggering class schedule and the local residents. Some of the neighboring universities in Newark are The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey, St. Michael’s Medical Center (SMMC), several local non-profit organizations and a number of businesses that are on the increase.
THE SALAD HOUSE
To learn more about The Salad House or if interested in the business opportunity, visit thesaladhouse.com.
HOURS, LOCATION & CONTACT
On observation, you will notice a steady stream of customers walking in 7 days a week to order eat-in or take-out meals. Unlike some of the neighboring quick service or fast casual eating places that close their doors early on weekdays and are closed on Sundays, the late weekday evening hours of Newark’s Salad House opens its doors 7 days a week with late hours on weekdays.
542 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102
862-872-7900; newark@thesaladhouse.com
Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Mabel Pais writes on Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Education, The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, and Spirituality)
New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the parade as the Guest of Honor. Deputy Commissioner of International Affairs Dilip Chauhan is seen on the extreme left.
I.S. Saluja
NEW YORK (TIP): Despite rain, Sikh men, women and children in thousands thronged New York City to participate in the annual Sikh Day Parade, April 29. It is a day of the birth of Khalsa, the pure Sikhs. It was on the day of Vaisakhi in 1699 that the Tenth Master of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created Khalsa, the pure among the Sikhs. The Master (Guru) enjoined upon his Sikhs to fight for basic human rights and against all kinds of injustice, oppression and tyranny. Which made them a martial community. During the British rule of India, the Sikh soldiers were recognized for their valor and the most Victoria Crosses, the highest gallantry award were won by them. In independent India, Sikhs have proved time and again they are the sword arm of the country.
The Sikhs number more than 30 million and are present in every part of the world. Their adventurous spirit has taken them far and wide in search of greener pastures. They created a great impression of themselves as honest and hardworking people. Many Sikhs have won laurels in various fields in countries across the world. The Sikh religion-Sikhism is one of the five major religions of the world. Sikhs believe in unity of mankind and seek good of all. On or around the day of Vaisakhi, which usually falls in the middle of April, Sikhs organize parades and prayers to celebrate their birth. In New York, as elsewhere, every year, thousands of Sikhs gather to celebrate the day. Unconfirmed estimates suggested presence of over 5000 Sikh men, women and children in the parade this year. Over the years, the size of parade has grown, with non-Sikhs also joining in the parade.
The Sikh Day Parade is more a religious affair than a mere social gathering. That is why, the parade is led by the Living Guru of the Sikhs- The Holy Guru Granth Sahib in whose presence a perfect decorum and an atmosphere of spirituality is maintained. On display at the parade were Sikh history, culture and traditions, as also the Sikhs’ holy places. Various forms of Sikh martial art were displayed by the young and not so young.
Many bands, including the NYPD band participated. NYPD Desi officers also were part of a contingent.
A conference was a part of the celebrations where community leaders spoke about their religion and the community. A few politicians and officials also attended the parade and the conference.
A community kitchen (Langar) proved to be a great attraction, with people enjoying many delectable dishes absolutely free. Sikhs are the only community in the world who have the unique tradition of langar. In every Sikh temple, food is provided free to everyone without any discrimination on any basis. The park at 23rd Street was a great place for people to sit in and enjoy the food which was served free to all.
A contingent of NYPD police officers in the parade.The huge crowds, following their Guru, at the Parade in Manhattan on April 29.
NEW YORK (TIP): Adams, on April 18, addressed CEOs of leading Indian companies from diverse sectors such as banking, finance, pharmaceuticals, retail, diamond and IT at a CEO roundtable organized by the Consulate General of India in New York in partnership with the NYC Mayors Office for International Affairs.
CEOs participating in the roundtable included Suresh Muthuswamy, Chairman, North America, Tata Consultancy Services, Michael McCabe, Tata Sons Country Head – North America, Bhavani Parameshwara, Executive Director and President, Indievat Inc. (an ITC-owned company). Amneal Pharmaceuticals Co-CEO New York Branch Chintu Patel, Strides Pharma Chief Business Officer Shivprasad Naikoti, State Bank of India (SBI) New York Branch CEO Prashant Tripathi, Canara Bank CEO Jaya Rajappan, Empire State Titans Founder and Owner Hiren Kumar, Kushal Choksey, co-founder of Tattva Truffles, Gaurav Varma of USISFP, Anjan Lahiri of Naikenz, Chief Regional Manager Amit Malik from Bharat Electronics, Akshay Chaturvedi Country Head-USA for ICICI Bank Ltd, Tejas Shah CEO of Kiran Jewels, Sandeep Shah of Sandeep Diamond and Co-Founder of Recognize Franscisco D’Souza.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Said – “It is very important that we understand the role of the Indian community in the city’s prosperity in three areas. One, I want to encourage them to participate in the political scene, which should be part of their business plan.” The Mayor also suggested making a bridge between school, high school kids and youth. With the company who has required skills our kids will need for the future. And lastly, it’s important that we give them the tools to help our kids intern and volunteer. We want to continue to expand and let them know that we are a partner in growing their business together,” Adams said.
From Left: Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, NYC Mayor Hon. Eric Adams, Consul General Hon. Randhir Jaiswal, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein and Deputy Commissioner of International Affairs Dilip Chauhan.
Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India in New York, said the mayor’s discussion and roundtable with CEOs of major Indian companies provide an opportunity to see “how we can strengthen our business engagement with New York City and India.” US relationship,” especially economic ties in the startup, tech, finance, and energy sectors. Jaiswal highlighted that India is the world’s fastest growing major economy and the country is expanding digital public infrastructure at the fastest pace globally and the roundtable amplified this message.
Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, highlighted the priority and importance the Mayor’s Office places on attracting international businesses and companies to base as well as expand in the city. Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan said the office is focused on increasing economic engagement with the international business community and outlined the incentives being offered to companies looking to expand their footprint in the city’s five boroughs – Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Chauhan stressed that the mayor’s message is “GET STUFF DONE” New York City is a City of YES. Chauhan manages the portfolio of trade, investment and innovation for the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Officials accompanying the mayor included Mira Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Operations, Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and Edward Mermelstein, New York City Commissioner for International Affairs.
Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff in the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Aisata Camara, Deputy Chief Counsel in the Office of the Mayor and Chief Counsel for City Hall Rahul Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner for Public Private Partnerships and Economic Development NYC Mayor In the Office of International Affairs Kristen Edgren Kaufman and senior official Rana Abbasova.
Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India, presenting a book on Millets to NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
ALBANY, NY (TIP): Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday, April 24, signed a resolution naming April 2023 as Sikh Awareness Month in the State of New York. “Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 100 years, and have made substantial contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the country and to New York specifically,” State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) said. “I was proud to share this moment with members of the Sikh Cultural Society from Richmond Hill who visited the Senate Chambers in Albany on Monday, where Giani Dharamveer Singh gave the opening Senate Session invocation accompanied by Harpreet Singh Toor.”
TRENTON, NJ (TIP): Gov. Phil Murphy signed a proclamation Saturday, April 29, designating January as Muslim Heritage Month in a measure that advocates say will promote appreciation and awareness about Muslim traditions and contributions. Community and faith leaders, who have rallied for the designation for several years, hailed the signing as a historic moment. “As a state that has the highest percentage of Muslims in the nation, we are so overjoyed to have a month that celebrates and recognizes our community in a positive light and hope that this recognition further pushes the engagement of the Muslim community in society,” said Zainab Syed, president of American Muslims for Democracy, one of the groups that advocated for the measure.Murphy signed the proclamation at Drumthwacket, the governor’s official residence in Princeton, during a celebration for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.
“I am proud to designate January of each year as Muslim Heritage Month, as it will shine a light on the rich histories, cultures and shared principles of Muslim Americans,” Murphy said. “New Jersey takes great pride in its diversity, and we will continue to recognize and celebrate the positive impact Muslims have made, and continue to make, to the advancement of this state.” The governor’s Eid gathering drew Muslim community leaders, clergy and elected officials from across the state. This year, they were jubilant over the news of Muslim Heritage Month.“For too long, we’ve seen damaging and irresponsible depictions of Muslims,” said Selaedin Maksut, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “These narratives have tangible consequences, but now we will be seeing the counter and, hopefully soon, prevailing narrative: one that highlights, celebrates and acknowledges the American Muslim community in New Jersey.”
A joint resolution in favor of Muslim Heritage Month got unanimous support from lawmakers before it was sent to the governor. The state Assembly passed the resolution in March, and the Senate did the same in February. The resolution asks Murphy to issue a proclamation each year calling upon local government agencies and interested organizations to observe the month with ceremonies, activities and educational programs.
In addition to American Muslims for Democracy and CAIR-NJ, the committee that worked to pass the measure included New Jersey Muslims for Progress, the Islamic Center of Morris County, the Council of Imams of New Jersey, NJ Sisterhood, Muslim League of Voters and BAWDI. Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer and Prospect Park Mayor Mohammad Khairullah also served on the committee.
More than 70 organizations, schools and mosques across the state also supported the state resolution.
Supporters hope the measure will promote greater understanding of Muslim heritage, recognize Muslim Americans’ contributions and combat Islamophobia. In New Jersey, Muslims make up 3% of the population, or about 300,000 people. They come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and are involved in politics, education, law enforcement, business, culture and other aspects of civic life. New Jersey is a nationwide leader in elected representation among Muslims, with over 40 people serving in political office. Last year, Assemblywomen Sadaf Jaffer and Shama Haider became the first two Muslims to serve in the New Jersey Legislature.
Muslims have lived in the United States since before the country’s founding, arriving as enslaved Africans, who scholars estimate were about 30% Muslim. Globally, around a quarter of the world’s population is Muslim, making up the second-largest religion. Throughout history, Muslims have had notable achievements and inventions that greatly affected fields including mathematics, astronomy, medicine and the arts.
Community advocate Jessica Berrocal, who has long advocated for the adoption of Muslim Heritage Month, hoped it would promote awareness, encourage diversity and help break down bigotry that Muslims, including children, sometimes face. “This is a significant step towards promoting tolerance and acceptance among communities, and it serves as a reminder that discrimination and hate have no place in New Jersey,” she said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged small businesses to take advantage of the numerous resources available on IRS.gov. As part of National Small Business Week April 30 to May 6, the IRS is highlighting tax benefits and resources to help small businesses.
National Small Business Week is an annual effort led by the Small Business Administration to recognize the hard work, ingenuity and dedication of America’s small businesses and to celebrate their contributions to the economy. The IRS has a variety of resources available for small business owners to help them understand and meet their tax responsibilities. Small business owners can use IRS.gov for a wide range of tax-related information resources for their enterprise.
The best place to start
Small businesses should make the Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center their first stop for finding just about everything to stay informed and compliant with their tax obligations. Whether that small business owner is self-employed, an independent contractor, a gig worker or a business with employees, the site provides in-depth information, tools and helpful education.
A road map from start to finish
IRS.gov’s small business pages map out the entire life cycle of a business and its tax implications. Sections include:
Starting a Business: Basic federal tax information for those starting a business, as well as a checklist to assist in making basic business decisions.
Business Structure: Help in choosing what form of business entity to establish because it determines which form of business income tax return forms must be filed.
Operating a Business: Tools and tips on how to get an Employer Identification Number, how to keep good records and how to file and pay taxes.
Closing a Business: Help navigating the closure of a business from a federal tax perspective; how to take care of employees, which forms to file, which records to keep and what tax related moves need to happen before shutting down. Stay on top of things and learn more
The education and online learning products offered on IRS.gov ensure small businesses have the latest tax-related information for their enterprise.
IRS Video Portal: Video and audio presentations on a variety of tax topics for small business including archived versions of live panel discussions and webinars. Webinars for Small Businesses: Topics vary from a general overview of taxes to more specific topics such as what constitutes business income and expenses. Workshops, Meetings and Seminars: Scheduled events held throughout the country; on occasion, the IRS participates in these events virtually.
Keep up to date
Staying informed on possible tax law changes that affect small business and staying up to date with tax obligations like withholding deposits and quarterly filing is easier with IRS.gov’s small business resources.
Subscribe: e-News for Small Businesses is a free e-mail service designed to provide tax information for small businesses. It includes the latest news, upcoming tax date reminders and tips to help small businesses.
Small Business Events: The IRS holds small business workshops, seminars and meetings at various locations throughout the country. They’re designed to help the small business owner understand and fulfill their federal tax responsibilities. Online Tax Calendar: Shows due dates and actions for each month. Users can have reminders sent to their email inbox or import the calendar into their calendar program. For more information featuring useful tax-related tools and resources to help small business owners, employers and self-employed individuals succeed, visit the IRS.gov Small Business Week webpage.
WASHINGTON, D.C.(TIP): The Indian diaspora and the US Congress have played a “pioneering role” in building and strengthening the relationship between the two countries, India’s ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said. He addressed a gathering of Indian Americans at a reception here on Thursday, April 27. A group of Indian Americans from across the US observed India Advocacy Day at the US Capitol on Thursday, reaching out to more than 70 lawmakers, over a dozen of whom addressed the community at a reception later in the evening. Sandhu said the diaspora and the US Congress have played a “pioneering role” in building and strengthening the India-US relationship.
“It is interesting to see all the Indian American community, the diaspora is so active on the Hill,” he said at the event organized by Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), a US-based non-profit organization working on India and Indian-related studies on socioeconomic, political and international security matters.
“With a population of 4.5 million and direct contribution in diverse fields including tech, hotels, transportation, health care, finance and agriculture, Indian Americans are well established and respected but their issues and concerns on policy matters are not reflected on the Hill. We are here to make an impact and our voice is heard,” Khanderao Kand, director of FIIDS told PTI.
“We are mainly focused on the long-term strategic issues like US-India relations (ICET, strengthening and expanding India Pacific Quad, I2U2), immigration issues like country-wise quota and H-1B, as well as religious phobia towards all religious traditions originated from India,” he said.
More than 65 delegates from 20 states of the US, throughout the day, visited the offices of over 70 Congressmen and held discussions with their senior staffers on issues of importance to the Indian Americans.
“We ask to expand the Indo-Pacific quad to include countries around the Indian Ocean, particularly the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia and strengthen the framework like NATO for regional security,” Kand said.
“The feedback I got is, you did it very respectfully and eloquently and did it in a very effective way. You should be really proud of that. I’m really proud to see how far this community has come,” Congressman Ro Khanna, Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus told the diaspora community about their visits to of Congress’ offices. “I have no doubt that we’re going to continue to grow, and continue to have this impact… Our involvement is not just good for the Indian American community, our involvement is good for the United States of America,” he said.
Applauding the role of the diaspora in the relationship, Nancy Jackson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, said that America’s partnership with India is strong and growing.
“I really want to thank all of you for all the work that you do to advance and support this important global relationship. This friendship between our two democracies is a global force for good in the world, as are our partnerships in the QUAD,” she said.
Mukesh Aghi, president of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum, said the economic prosperity of India is good for America and its companies and a militarily strong India is good for regional stability.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the reason why the India-US partnership is so strong is that Indian Americans are the bridge, that glue that brings India and the United States together.
Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar called for comprehensive immigration reform and supported FIIDS recommendations to remove country quota in issuing the Green Card.
He also called for increasing the number of H-1B visas issued by the US every year for foreign technology workers.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said America and India have always been very strong allies and trading partners.
“It is very appropriate that the world’s largest democracy, and one of the world’s oldest democracies are such good friends, not only as commerce allies and we’ve worked together in so many ways,” she said.
“I have the honor of representing a very large and diverse and dynamic Indian American community. And, people that are in this community have contributed successfully in so many areas,” she said.
Congressman Dr Rich McCormick said Indian Americans are the most important demographic in the future of American politics.
“You could really choose the next President of the United States,” he said.
(Source: PTI)
USCIS says it is in the process of initiating law enforcement referrals for criminal prosecution
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The computerized drawing of lots devised to select successful H-1B applicants every year has resulted in abuse of the system and a sharp increase in fraudulent efforts, a federal agency said on Friday, April 28. In an unusual statement, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday, April 28, said that based on evidence from the Financial Year 2023 and Financial Year 2024 H-1B cap seasons, it has already undertaken extensive fraud investigations, denied and revoked petitions.
USCIS said it is in the process of initiating law enforcement referrals for criminal prosecution.
“The H-1B program is an essential part of our nation’s immigration system and our economy, and the USCIS is committed to implementing the law and helping meet the ever-changing needs of the US labor market,” it said.
“We are working on an upcoming H-1B modernization rule that will propose, among other improvements, bolstering the H-1B registration process to reduce the possibility of misuse and fraud in the H-1B registration system,” it added. USCIS said during the registration period for the FY 2024 H-1B cap, it saw a significant increase in the number of registrations submitted compared to prior years.
It said there were 780,884 applications for H-1B visas in this year’s computer-generated lottery, against 4,83,927 in 2023 and 3,01,447 in 2022 and 2,74,237 in 2021.
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): An eminent Indian-American community leader from Silicon Valley has urged US lawmakers to remove the prevailing seven per cent cap on green cards, observing that the country-specific limit on the most sought-after residency document has created extensive backlogs.
A Green Card is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing in the country permanently. Speaking at the US-India summit held at the US Capitol on Wednesday, April 26, Ajay Jain Bhutoria, an entrepreneur and community leader, asked why there was a cap on the Green Card if not on an H-1 visa.
“When we do not have a country’s limit on giving an H-1 visa to support our companies, businesses and economy. Why should we have a country cap limit on green card issuance,” Bhutoria said at the summit organised by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna in his capacity as Co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus.
The per-country caps are numerical limits on the issuance of green cards to individuals from certain countries.
Immigration law provides for approximately 140,000 employment-based green cards to be issued each year.
However, only seven per cent of those green cards can go to individuals from a single country annually.
If the number of individuals being sponsored from a single country is greater than seven per cent of the annual available total, a backlog forms and the excess approved petitions are not considered until a visa becomes available and their petition falls within the initial seven per cent per-country cap.
“These country-specific caps have created extensive backlogs, forcing individuals from certain countries—primarily India and China in the employment-based categories— to wait much longer than average to receive their green cards, simply because of their country of origin,” he said. “We estimate that more than 880,000 people, including dependent spouses and children, are waiting in the US in employment-based green card backlogs.
“In some categories, applicants who began the process in 2012 are just now able to file formally, meaning they may have waited more than a decade to join their families, even though they were already qualified to do so. These wait times are projected to extend up to 50 years if the law is not changed,” Bhutoria said.
Making a detailed presentation, Bhutoria said that the number of students coming to the US from India on average is around 180-190 thousand per year. There are 85,000 H-1B work visas issued every year and out of which nearly 60 per cent of H-1B visas are issued via a fair lottery system to tech workers from India, so around 51,000-60,000 H-1B visas. The number of employment-based green cards issued to people from India is roughly around 7,000-8,000 per year due to the seven per cent country cap limit.This 7,000-8,000 includes dependents of primary applicants, so roughly 2,000 Individual H-1B applicants get green cards every year for people of India.
Bhutoria said 180-190 thousand students from India come here to study, 50,000-60,000 get H-1B and only roughly 2,000 get green cards every year due to the country’s seven per cent cap limit, the rest applicants continue to live an uncertain life. “So the request is to remove the seven per cent country limit,” Bhutoria said.
(Source: PTI)
The survey titled ‘Indian Roots, American Soil’ of the Confederation of Indian Industry is launched on Wednesday, May 3
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): As many as 163 Indian companies have invested more than USD 40 billion in the United States so far which has created nearly 425,000 jobs in the country, according to a survey.
The survey titled ‘Indian Roots, American Soil’ of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which was launched on Wednesday by India’s Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu in the presence of US Ambassador-designate to India Eric Garcetti, also revealed that Indian companies spent nearly USD 185 million as corporate social responsibility in the United States and their financing of US-based Research and Development (R&D) projects is nearly USD 1 billion.
“Indian companies in the US bring strength, resilience and competitiveness to the US. They create jobs, support the local communities, and build capacity and technical know-how. They create virtuous cycles of prosperity,” Sandhu said in his address in the presence of a large number of representatives of Indian companies who are currently in the city to attend the Select USA Summit.
This is one of the largest India delegations ever at Select USA.
“In my travels across the US, I have been amazed to see what Indian companies have done to transform neighborhoods in the US. They not only create virtuous cycles of employment, investment and growth in the US; but go beyond – they support local communities and partner with schools and universities. India has always believed that success is to be shared, and sharing is a success,” Sandhu said.
The survey said that as many as 163 Indian companies have invested over USD 40 billion in the United States that further has created nearly 425,000 jobs in the country.
According to Chandrajit Banerjee, CII Director General, Indian companies have demonstrated their resilience and commitment to the US market, with increasing investments and job creation, as well as growing sector diversification and expanding geographic presence across the US.
“Their future plans to invest and hire more, further indicate a positive growth trajectory for the US-India economic relationship,” he said.
The top ten states benefiting from jobs created by Indian companies are Texas (20,906 jobs), New York (19,162 jobs), New Jersey (17,713 jobs), Washington (14,525 jobs), Florida (14,418 jobs), California (14,334 jobs), Georgia (13,945 jobs), Ohio (12,188 jobs), Montana (9,603 jobs), Illinois (8,454 jobs).
(Source: PTI)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP)- US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris over the weekend met his top 150 donors, including one Indian-American entrepreneur, to develop a successful strategy to raise funds for their 2024 re-election campaign, participants of the meeting said.
During the event, Biden highlighted the importance of donors and their contribution to preserving democracy, while lambasting former president Donald Trump-led “MAGA Republicans” and emphasizing abortion rights.
Although the reception was not a fundraiser, it marked a new effort to bring in untapped donors into the fold, participants of the meeting said.
Leading Indian-American fundraiser, Ajay Jain Bhutoria, who is the Democratic Party deputy national finance chair, was among the 150 major Democratic donors to attend the meeting in Washington DC.
It is understood that the campaign has set a target of raising USD 2 billion for the 2024 re-election campaign.
The event marked the first in-person donor conference of Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign, where Democratic Party officials presented their campaign strategy and began their fundraising efforts to reach the goal of USD 2 billion — double the USD 1 billion raised during the previous election cycle.
Participants of the meeting, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that both Biden and Harris along with their strategists appeared confident of winning the 2024 election cycle based on their accomplishments so far. But they are not taking any chances, one of the participants said.
Also in attendance were Governor of California Gavin Newsom, Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy, Governor of Maryland Wes Moore, and various members of the Congress and Senate.
During the meetings, Bhutoria praised the Biden administration’s accomplishments, including groundbreaking legislations such as the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Respect for Marriage Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Bhutoria’s attendance at the event and being one of the 150 people nationwide highlights the growing influence and representation of the Indian-American community in national politics, and their support for the Democratic Party and its candidates.
His role as the Democratic Party deputy national finance chair also emphasizes the importance of fundraising efforts and the role of donors in shaping the future of American politics.
Bhutoria has been a long-time supporter of Biden and played a crucial role in securing his victory in the 2020 election. He raised a significant amount of money for the campaign and rallied millions of grassroots South Asian voters who proved to be the deciding factor in several battleground states.
We have done a lot, but there’s so much more to do. And with your help, I know we can do it. I really do. Just like we did in 2020, remember 2020, when everyone had written us off? But you folks — you folks in this room, you know we could do it, and we did. You raised significant amounts of money to allow us to compete, Biden said in an address to his donors.
And remember 2022, the midterm elections, when we were supposed to get our clock clean and swamped? The red wave is coming. Give me a break. Because of your help, it never happened, and we met the moment again and a broad coalition with all of you. And we’re going to do it again in 2024 together. And, folks, as we enter this reelection campaign, hear this: We wouldn’t be here without you. That is not — that’s not an exaggeration. And I couldn’t be more grateful, Biden said.
Vice President Harris personally spoke with all the top donors one-on-one.
Harris has also been out pushing the Biden agenda, having recently delivered remarks about abortion rights in a speech at Howard University. She talked about her work on abortion issues, insulin and broadband access in her remarks on Friday, NBC News reported.
(Source: PTI)
NEW YORK (TIP): For three bingeable seasons of Netflix’ “The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives,” Neelam Kothari Soni has brought her big-screen fame to streaming devices worldwide. The veteran actress and fine-jewelry magnate is set to share some of that “24-karat” Bollywood elegance with area fans as the featured celebrity guest at CRY America’s 2023 New York – New Jersey Gala, set for 6:30 PM, Friday, May 19 at The Taj Pierre Hotel, 2 East 61st St, New York.Child Rights and You (CRY) America is a US nonprofit that supports projects in India and the U.S. that ensure access to education and healthcare for underprivileged children, as well as protection from child labor, early marriage and trafficking. Since 2004, with the support of over 25,000 donors and over 2,000 volunteers, CRY America has impacted the lives of 752,172 children living across 4,027 villages and slums through support to 90 projects in India and the US.Themed “YOU Put the ‘Y’ in CRY,” the gala will honor CRY America’s donors, volunteers, media partners and supporters. The New York-New Jersey gala is one in a series including events in Seattle, San Diego, Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area. . Registration details for the New York-New Jersey gala are available at https://www.cryamerica.org/new-york-new-jersey-gala-2023/.After starring in hit films of the 1980s and ‘90s such as “Love 86” and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, Neelam launched a second career as a jewelry designer with her own world-class brand, Neelam Jewels. She’s returned to acting in recent years, with roles in Amazon’s “Made in Heaven” and “Bollywood Wives”, which has sparked a resurgence in her popularity. “I am honored and privileged to be associated with CRY,” said Neelam. “Over the years I have heard of the good work they do, especially when it comes to ensuring that children can complete their education. Education is something which is every child’s right. It ensures a brighter future not only for the child, but also for our country and our world.” Last year’s CRY Gala series set a fundraising record for the organization at $1 million. CRY America CEO Shefali Sunderlal expressed her gratitude to CRY’s generous donors for their ongoing commitment to the cause.
“We are so grateful to have donors, volunteers, sponsors and media partners that embody the YOU in CRY, all of whom are absolutely essential to our continuing work for underprivileged children,” she said. “We are also fortunate to have the support of celebrities like Neelam, who add value to our events and amplify the voices and rights of children.”
(Press release)
NEW YORK (TIP): Observing that the opening of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from New York in India – the first of its kind outside the United States — “is a big deal,” Dr Nori said getting treatment of and consultations on cancer from the world’s best cancer institute would not only save a large number of lives but will also help increase awareness in the fight against the deadly disease. A 2017 Padma Shri awardee for his contribution to the field of medicine, Dr Nori said he wants to bring the best practices of cancer treatment from the United States to India. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center opened its first ever overseas center in Chennai last August, and in March this year Dr Nori was appointed as its senior advisor.
The Indian American doctor, who has just returned from India visiting several states including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Assam, said in cancer, the first treatment has to be the best treatment.
“First treatment has to be the best treatment. There is no room for patching up. You know, something went wrong, I want to do something else. It won’t help. This is my desire, which finally happened. Memorial (Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) opened in 2022. In India, we see about 1.3-1.4 million new cases every year. There are good cancer centers that have come up in the last 10 years both in the private and government sectors,” he said. But they’re not able to cater to all the cancer patients as the numbers are overwhelming, he was quick to add. “They are able to have patients, but you cannot keep on establishing cancer centers without controlling the number of cases. That’s the message I’ve been giving to the central government and state governments,” he told PTI.
“You have to somehow bring the incidence of cancer under control. How do we control that – Through screening and early detection,” said Nori, who has been in the US for more than four and half decades. “I am trying to utilize that (experience in the US) to implement some programs in India because we have been successful in America.
“By screening, we have reduced cervical cancer by almost 24 per cent here in the US. In breast cancer, by doing mammography at a certain age group, we have reduced the mortality of breast cancer. In lung cancer, by promoting the awareness about smoking in the US, we are seeing for the last three, four years, a downward trend even for lung cancers,” he said. During his career spanning over four decades, he has held the positions of Professor and Chairman of Oncology and Director of the Cancer Center at the world-renowned Cornell Medical Center in New York. Author of over 300 scientific articles and four books in oncology, Nori has pioneered numerous cancer treatment techniques that have contributed to significant improvement in the cure rates and in saving lives of a number of cancer patients all over the world. He is a recipient of the ‘Tribute to Life’ award presented by the American Cancer Society and the ‘Most Distinguished Physician Award’, presented by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In 2014 he was bestowed with one of the most prestigious civilian awards in the US ‘The Ellis Island Medical of Honor’ for his exemplary work.
NEW YORK (TIP): State Senator John Liu stated the following about the tentative agreement to keep the New York City charter cap in place while allowing for the reassignment of 14 previously closed charter schools.
“This tentative agreement holds the line on New York City’s charter cap, which exists to strike a balance between giving parents choice and the responsibility to keep public schools open and accessible to all.
“As part of this agreement, 14 ‘zombie charters’ that have previously closed, and are within the existing charter cap, will be reassigned to new operators within the city. It is my sincere hope that these reassignments will go to the many historically underrepresented and minority-led charter operators, many of which have been waiting years for their turn at the wheel. “Of particular importance is a commitment by the governor to pay for the space for these 14 charter reassignments, which will alleviate the financial burden on the NYC Education system and remove the incentive for the city to co-locate charters in public schools.
“Finally, this agreement comes with the understanding that additional measures on the accountability, transparency and operations of charter schools are necessary and impending. My colleagues and I have been working on this and will continue to prioritize this effort following the passage of the budget.”
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