Sunday, March 23

Politics

H-1B visa approvals hit record highs, but Trump’s return could bring stricter policies
Politics

H-1B visa approvals hit record highs, but Trump’s return could bring stricter policies

Foreign workers seeking employment in the U.S. experienced unprecedented success in securing H-1B visas during the 2024 fiscal year, with over 97% of applications gaining approval, according to the National Foundation for American Policy. This near-perfect approval rate marks the second-highest level in over a decade. However, immigration advocates warn that this trend may face significant changes if President-elect Donald Trump reinstates restrictive visa policies from his previous administration. Such a shift could profoundly impact U.S. businesses and institutions that heavily depend on skilled foreign workers, particularly those from India. Sharvari Dalal-Dheini, senior director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and a former attorney with ...
Kamala Harris defends Biden administration’s record in contentious TV interview
Politics

Kamala Harris defends Biden administration’s record in contentious TV interview

In a tense interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of illegal immigration, defended President Joe Biden’s mental fitness, and responded to questions about her support for gender-affirming surgeries for transgender inmates. The exchange, led by host Bret Baier, highlighted key political flashpoints as Harris fielded tough questions on immigration, policy decisions, and her potential future as a presidential candidate. The vice president faced pointed criticism over the administration’s approach to the ongoing crisis at the southern border. When pressed about the decision to roll back some of former President Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration policies, Harris shifted focus, placing blame on Republican ...
Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders show strong support for legal immigration
Politics

Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders show strong support for legal immigration

A recent survey reveals that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are significantly more likely than the general American population to view legal immigration as a valuable asset to the United States economy and workforce. However, their stance on illegal immigration aligns more closely with the broader public, highlighting a nuanced perspective within this growing demographic group. The poll, conducted jointly by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, found that around 8 in 10 AAPI adults believe legal immigration provides substantial benefits to the country’s economic growth. By comparison, only 4 in 10 Americans shared this view in a similar survey conducted in March. Additionally, approximately 75% of AAPI respondents cit...
Trump doubles down on attacks against Kamala Harris and others during Pennsylvania rallies
Politics

Trump doubles down on attacks against Kamala Harris and others during Pennsylvania rallies

Former President Donald Trump delivered fiery remarks during two campaign rallies in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, various women, and his critics while dismissing concerns that his rhetoric might alienate voters. Speaking in Scranton, a pivotal battleground, Trump made it clear that he had no intention of moderating his tone, even if it cost him support. “I don’t want to be nice,” Trump declared to his audience. “You know, someone told me, ‘You should be nicer. Women don’t like that.’ And I said, ‘I don’t care.'” Despite polling data showing that women generally view him more negatively than men, Trump brushed off the concern, claiming, “Women want to see our country back. They don’t care.” His remarks came on the same day that both Trump and Harris hel...
Trump and Polish president’s potential joint appearance in Pennsylvania sparks interest ahead of election
Politics

Trump and Polish president’s potential joint appearance in Pennsylvania sparks interest ahead of election

Donald Trump, the U.S. Republican presidential candidate, is planning a significant appearance alongside Polish President Andrzej Duda in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state for the upcoming election. While the details of this joint appearance are still being finalized, this event could mark an unusual moment where a foreign leader joins a U.S. presidential candidate on the campaign trail. Sources familiar with the plans have indicated that both leaders could appear together this Sunday, though the appearance is still subject to confirmation. Duda, who is nearing the end of his term as Polish president in 2025, has long been a strong ally of Trump. The two leaders share a friendship that dates back to Trump’s first term in office from 2017 to 2021. The pair last met in New York in April, s...
Putin’s comment on US elections dismissed as a joke by Lavrov
Politics

Putin’s comment on US elections dismissed as a joke by Lavrov

In a recent interview with Sky News Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the comment made by President Vladimir Putin about Russia’s supposed support for U.S. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. Putin had earlier sparked controversy when he jokingly remarked that Russia favored Harris due to her “infectious” laugh, suggesting that this trait made her more appealing than Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump. Lavrov clarified the situation, stating that Putin’s remarks were made in jest, underscoring that the Russian leader often uses humor in his public statements and interviews. “It was a joke,” Lavrov explained when questioned about how a change in U.S. leadership might affect Russia’s foreign policy. He went on t...
Texas school shooting response sparks public outrage and questions of accountability
Politics

Texas school shooting response sparks public outrage and questions of accountability

The tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, has shifted focus onto the actions—or lack thereof—of the local police chief and other law enforcement personnel. Delays in confronting the shooter, who remained inside the school for over an hour, have fueled anger, raising the possibility of lawsuits, penalties, and even criminal charges against the officers involved. This attack marks the deadliest school shooting in the United States in nearly a decade. However, confusion and contradictory accounts from police in the days following the tragedy have only deepened public frustration. By the end of the week, authorities confirmed that students and teachers had desperately called 911, pleading for help. Meanwhile, Pete Arredondo, the schoo...
Retired U.S. military leaders endorse Kamala Harris, warn against Trump’s return
Politics

Retired U.S. military leaders endorse Kamala Harris, warn against Trump’s return

Ten retired senior U.S. military leaders have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency, asserting in a letter released Monday that she is uniquely qualified to serve as commander-in-chief. The group, which includes retired General Larry Ellis and retired Rear Admiral Michael Smith, also issued a stark warning about former President Donald Trump, labeling him a threat to national security and democratic values. The letter highlighted what the signatories described as Trump’s “chaotic approach” to critical defense matters, specifically citing his handling of Afghanistan. They pointed to his 2020 deal with the Taliban, which allowed 5,000 fighters from the group to be released, many of whom returned to the battlefield, as an example of his unpredictable and dangerous ...
Trump alleges political motives behind alleged assassination attempt, blames Biden and Harris
Politics

Trump alleges political motives behind alleged assassination attempt, blames Biden and Harris

Donald Trump, the former president and current Republican presidential candidate, claimed on Monday that recent remarks from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris labeling him a threat to democracy had inspired what he described as the latest attempt on his life. Trump, however, provided no evidence to support his assertions. Critics pointed to his own history of provocative statements and calls for legal actions against political opponents as part of the broader context. As the U.S. presidential election approaches, with early voting already underway in some states, the 2024 campaign season has proven to be one of the most turbulent in recent memory. The alleged incident on Sunday in Florida marked a dramatic moment in the race. Trump emerged unscathed and commended the Sec...
Judge’s ruling opens door for legal betting on congressional elections
Politics

Judge’s ruling opens door for legal betting on congressional elections

For the first time in U.S. history, residents are now legally allowed to bet on the outcome of congressional elections. This unprecedented opportunity emerged on Thursday after a judge ruled in favor of permitting such wagers, a decision that has placed Kalshi, a New York-based startup, at the center of this groundbreaking development. Shortly after the ruling, Kalshi began accepting bets on which political party would gain control of the Senate and House in November’s elections. The company, which offers “prediction contracts” — simple yes-or-no bets on political outcomes — is operating under a temporary allowance, as the legality of such betting remains under scrutiny by regulators. Despite multiple requests for comment, neither Kalshi nor its attorney provided further insight into the s...