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New Visa Policies Cause US Tech Layoffs to Have a Severe Impact on Indian Employees.
(VOR News) – A recent wave of layoffs has had a disproportionate impact on workers of Indian origin, especially those on H-1B visas, shaking the US IT industry to its core.
The combination of this condition and the newly implemented new visa restrictions has resulted in the creation of a new environment that is becoming increasingly challenging for talented professionals and international students who are immigrants studying in the United States.
Loss of jobs in the United States’ technology sector
As a point of information, according to Layoffs.fyi, 438 technology companies have let go of 137,500 employees in a field that was previously believed to be recession-proof. As a result, employment prospects in the information technology industry are few.
In addition, the H-1B visa gives Indian employees a window of time in which to look for and accept a new position. They will have to depart the country if they are unable to locate and accept a new position within the designated period. According to data from the US Congressional Research Service, Indian labourers must wait incredibly long periods of time—up to more than 190 years—in order to be granted green cards.
Even when they have met all requirements for the workplace, this is still the case. Because of the growing number of petitions, the already shaky situation has gotten much worse.
The visa bulletin that was distributed by the United States Department of State in October 2024 contained information that was published regarding the availability of immigrant visa numbers for the fiscal year 2025. As part of the regular updates that applicants get, this bulletin is intended to inform them about the progress of their applications as well as the different visa categories that are currently available.
The findings of the study conducted by Telugu360 indicate that this had an effect on a number of different immigration categories, one of which was the EB-5 investment visa category in particular.
The latest visa changes and their impact on Indian workers
People are able to receive visas under the EB-5 visa program if they invest in specific projects, such as those that are located in rural areas or in regions with high rates of unemployment.
On the other hand, applicants from mainland China and India frequently experience delays, despite the fact that these visas are available everywhere in the world. On the other hand, there are indications that the processing times are gradually improvement, but they are definitely improving.
Not only that, but concurrently with this, there has been an increase in the number of H-1B visas issued. From $10 to $215, which is a 2150 percent rise, the cost per recipient experienced a significant surge. Over the course of the paper filing procedure, the application price has climbed from $460 to $780, representing a 70 percent increase. This increase occurred over the course of the entire process.
The restrictive measures that were recently implemented with regard to visas have also had an effect on individuals who are applying for green cards. At the moment, the fee for persons who wish to submit their I-30 petition online is $625, but the fee for filing the petition on paper costs $675.
There is a new method that has been implemented for the payment of the $600 asylum fees required for certain petitions.
The sorting of international students has also been brought about as a result of the adoption of increased scrutiny for applicants seeking visas under the F, M, and J categories. It is now expected of them that when they apply for appointments, they will present accurate information from their passport accounts.
The maximum validity duration for Employment Authorisation Documents has been expanded to five years, which is a positive development for those individuals who are eligible for the program. As a consequence of this, the standards for extending work permits will likely become less stringent.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two examples of options for students to participate in practical training.
Students can still take advantage of these chances. The 24-month extension that is available for the STEM OPT is still accessible, despite the fact that there have been some of the employer requirements relaxed.
The necessity of enhancing safety, simplifying operations, and better managing costs is the justification for these modifications. On the other hand, they might also make it more difficult for candidates to meet their financial obligations and alter the ethnic composition of the American labour force.
SOURCE: HT
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King Charles Could Millions Annually from Renting His Properties
A recent analysis suggests that King Charles might earn over £1 million each year by renting out royal properties to holidaymakers.
The Royal Family’s historic houses and mansions are popular holiday rentals, contributing significantly to the Palace’s revenue.
Pikl Insurance estimates that the royals may earn up to £118,775.85 per month, or around £1,425,310.20 per year, from their holiday rental portfolio. Even after accounting for cancellations, the monarchy is anticipated to generate a net annual income of somewhat more over £1.4 million.
Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million
The four primary royal properties accepting public bookings are Balmoral Castle, Castle of Mey’s Captain House, Restormel Manor, and Dumfries House, according to Express.co.uk. Cottages at Balmoral Castle in Scotland are expected to generate £36,798.30 per month after accounting for cancellations.
According to the numbers, the 500-year-old Restormel Manor in Cornwall is the most profitable of them all, earning a solid £47,082 every month. The resort, located in the Fowey Valley, has four booking spaces and six converted barns.
Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, adds an estimated £31,185.63 and offers 25 rooms for booking. The Castle of Mey’s Captain House in the Scottish Highlands is estimated to generate a more modest £3,709.92 per month, despite the fact that the entire property is available for booking.
The analysts stated, “While the Royal Family’s primary role is undoubtedly to serve the nation, it is clear that their properties are also a valuable asset.” These estimates highlight the royal estate’s considerable financial potential and provide an intriguing peek into the monarchy’s corporate operations.”
Royal Family received £86.3 million from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant in the previous fiscal year, according to official numbers released in July.
All revenues from the Crown Estate, which includes royal households, forestry, agriculture, and offshore wind, are paid directly to the Treasury, with a portion of this money, now 12%, returned to the Royal Family to finance their tasks.
The records also cover a period of jubilation, including the coronation and festivities surrounding the King and Queen’s crowning in May of last year.
News
Man Creates Candy Cane Car to Spread Christmas Cheer
In a delightful display of holiday spirit, a local resident in North Providence, Maine, has transformed his vehicle into a candy cane delight that is capturing hearts and spreading Christmas Cheer.
Over the past 15 years, Dave Clayman has transformed a simple 1991 Toyota Camry into a rolling holiday icon that captivates everyone who encounters it.
It’s wrapped in $3,000 worth of reflective tape, the same kind used on trailer trucks. Whether parked at a mall or cruising down the highway, you can’t miss it with its candy cane decorations.
This whimsical project started with an unusual idea. When an old exercise bike landed in Clayman’s possession, he mounted it on top of his car instead of letting it gather dust in his garage.
“There’s nothing like working out in the fresh air,” Dave said. That quirky addition quickly drew eyes, inspiring him to keep going.
The car features homemade rockets built from trash cans and salad bowls, candy cane-themed hubcaps, and candy cane lights dangling from the mounted exercise bike.
The Candy Cane Car cost Clayman $3,000
To top it off, it boasts a PA system and a custom horn, making it a true sensory experience.
The candy cane car has now become a local landmark every Christmas. Parked outside Clayman’s house, it’s a favourite backdrop for people snapping photos or simply stopping to admire it.
Some visitors even share stories of seeing the car as a child, reminiscing about how it’s been a beloved part of their neighbourhood for years.
“When people see it, their mood amplifies,” Clayman explained. “If they’re happy, they become happier. If they’re upset, well, they sometimes get angrier.” But for the most part, he estimates that over 96% of people love the festive car, particularly around Christmas.
Clayman said he used to wear a Santa costume when riding in his festive car for years. A few years ago, he bought a Grinch costume and never looked back.
“It’s like a state of euphoria. Every time I get behind the wheel and people see it,” he said. “Anything that people are in a better mood, it seems to make you in a better mood. It’s a labor of love you got to be committed to it.”
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Senate Approves Social Security Fairness Act, Heads to Final Vote
(VOR News) – On Wednesday, the United States Senate Social Security passed a measure with a vote of 73-27, indicating that the legislation, which is co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, is likely to be implemented before the end of the year.
The law may be beneficial to personnel working in the public sector in Maine, including teachers, firefighters, and other workers.
The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal two restrictions that lower the amount of Social Security payments paid to public employees.
These regulations would be eliminated with the passage of the act. A provision known as the Windfall Elimination Provision makes it impossible for public employees who are currently receiving pensions to continue receiving them.
The Government Pension Offset, as it is commonly referred to, is designed to limit the amount of money that can be paid to the surviving spouses of recipients who are also receiving government pensions.
This problematic situation impacts Social Security benefits.”
In November 2024, the Social Security Administration reported that more than 2 million individuals, including more than 20,000 in the state of Maine, had their Social Security benefits reduced as a result of the Windfall Elimination Provision,” Collins stated in a statement that was released by her department.
In November 2024, the Government Pension Offset had an impact on more than 650,000 individuals, with more than 6,000 of those individuals residing in the state of Maine, according to the previously mentioned line of reasoning.
A vote of 327 to 75 was necessary for the measure to be approved by the House of Representatives the previous month. On Wednesday, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Senate, announced that he intended to work rapidly in order to deliver the act from the House of Representatives to the president’s desk.
As indicated by Schumer, who was speaking on the floor of the United States Senate today, “Passing this Social Security fix right before Christmas would be a great gift for our retired firefighters, police officers, postal workers, teachers, and others who have contributed to Social Security for years but are now being penalised because of their time spent serving the public.”
In the beginning, the measure was supported by two individuals: Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, and Collins, a Republican. During her speech in support of the proposal, which was made on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, Collins stated that the idea will have a significant impact on a number of individuals, including teachers in the state of Maine.
These advantages are the direct result of the effort that they put forth. During the course of her remarks, Collins asserted that the punishment in question was both unreasonable and unacceptable.
This will strain Social Security’s already shaky budget.
In a recent examination, it was discovered that the Windfall Elimination Provision was one of the primary problems that contributed to the difficulties that the teacher workforce in Maine is experiencing, which experts are referring to as a crisis.
A poll that was conducted and released by the non-profit organisation Educate Maine found that teachers in each and every county in the state of Maine identified the provision as a hindering factor in the process of recruiting new teachers.
According to the findings of the study, “this federal policy that reduces social security payouts is a disincentive,” which implies that it is detrimental to teachers who take on additional work and discourages people from switching careers in order to become teachers.
Sharon Gallant, a retired educator who worked in Gardiner for a total of 31 years, is one of the educators that are now employed there. Prior to beginning his career as a teacher in the public school system, Gallant was employed in the business sector. He made a little contribution to the Social Security system during the entirety of this time period.
“When you move into public education, you are faced with a certain degree of punishment,” according to her statement.
In letters that Gallant sent to Collins and to Sen. Angus King of Maine, who is an independent, he urged both of them to support the concept. She stated that even if it is unsuccessful, Maine will still have a difficult time recruiting teachers because of the clause that deters them from employment.
She made the observation, “If this does not pass, then it is just another reason not to enter public service.”
SOURCE: FR
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