department of homeland security

The U.S. department of homeland security has announced that all available EB-2 immigrant visas for Indian applicants in fiscal year 2026 have been issued. Embassies and consulates will cease issuing these visas until the annual limits reset on October 1, 2026, marking the start of fiscal year 2027.

An Associated Press investigation reveals a surge in detainee suicides within ICE custody since January 2025, with at least 10 men dying by self-harm. Experts cite systemic failures in mental health care, delayed screenings, and isolation contributing to these preventable deaths.

USCIS has clarified a new Green Card policy. This policy could have required many to apply from abroad. However, USCIS now states that applicants with national interest or economic benefit may continue their current process. This offers relief to many H-1B visa holders and tech industry workers. The agency is reasserting its interpretation of immigration law.

President Donald Trump last week halted a planned executive order. This order would have required government safety checks for advanced artificial intelligence models. Major tech companies like Google and Microsoft were to be affected. Trump cited a desire to maintain America's lead over China as the reason for the cancellation. The decision came after his state visit to China.

President Trump has nominated former Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA, a surprising move given Trump's past criticism of the agency. Hamilton, previously a temporary leader, had argued against abolishing FEMA. His confirmation would make him the principal advisor on emergency management, taking over an agency facing workforce challenges and preparing for the upcoming disaster season.

Foreign nationals in the US seeking permanent residency must now return to their home countries to apply for Green Cards, according to a new USCIS policy. This change, effective immediately, aims to restore the original intent of immigration law and streamline the process. Exceptions will be made only in extraordinary circumstances, freeing up agency resources for other critical cases.

India is set to receive significant US support for its Apache attack helicopters and M777 howitzers, with deals exceeding $428 million approved by the US State Department. These packages, routed through Foreign Military Sales, will bolster India's defense capabilities and strategic partnership with Washington, enhancing its readiness against regional threats without altering the military balance.

USCIS now has the power to reject or deny immigration applications, even keeping fees, if an invalid signature is found months or years later. This new rule, effective July 10, 2026, applies broadly to most benefit requests, including visas and Green Cards. Applicants cannot usually fix signature errors after submission.

The White House launched a new space-themed website, Aliens.gov, to highlight immigration enforcement actions. Using extraterrestrial imagery, the site aims to showcase arrests of undocumented immigrants and promote President Trump's agenda. It features a live dashboard and interactive map of enforcement activities, drawing criticism for its dehumanizing language.

In a significant policy update, the US government has categorized green card adjustments as a scarce discretionary privilege, a decision that may force many Indian H-1B visa holders to pursue their applications outside the country. Immigration attorneys foresee a rise in legal battles, warning that this could jeopardize the residency journey for numerous individuals, leaving them facing increased risks.

Indigenous communities in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are protesting wildlife tourism and tiger reserve expansion. They accuse authorities and conservation groups of commercializing ancestral lands, evicting families, and ignoring their rights. A joint declaration demands an immediate halt to relocations and recognition of their land rights, calling forced conservation 'colonization'.

India's defense capabilities are being bolstered with the US approval of a USD 198.2 million deal for Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter support. This acquisition complements the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand', designed for high-altitude operations. Both helicopters serve distinct strategic roles, enhancing India's defense against evolving regional threats and modernizing its air force.

India's defence capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the US approving a $198.2 billion deal for Apache helicopter support and a $230 million package for M777A2 howitzers. This strategic move enhances India's security and strengthens the Indo-US partnership, improving its readiness against evolving regional threats.

During a recent press conference, President Trump proudly showcased his administration's unwavering commitment to combating illegal immigration and drug trafficking, announcing close to 200,000 arrests related to criminal activity and an impressive reduction in fentanyl shipments across the nation. He credited the strategic use of tariffs in persuading foreign countries to take back deported migrants.