Trump’s New Rules on Refuges
Donald Trump has introduced a new rule that mandates the arrest and detention of refugees who have been in the US for over a year and are eligible to apply for a Green Card. This rule is designed to prevent them from remaining in the country legally. However, a Minnesota judge has recently put a temporary hold on this rule, calling it “unreasonable.”
Federal Court Halt Mass Detentions
A federal judge in California has halted the Trump administration’s policy of mass detentions of immigrants without bond hearings. The judge characterized the practice as “unjust” and stated that it violates immigrants’ rights. This decision ensures that immigrants have the right to seek bond while their cases are being adjudicated.
Restricting Federal Housing Assistance
The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that would restrict federal housing assistance for families with even one undocumented immigrant. This rule would potentially impact over 20,000 families, as every member of the household would need to provide proof of citizenship or legal immigration status to be eligible for assistance.
Decline in Public Approval for Trump’s Immigration Policies
A recent Reuters poll shows that public approval for Donald Trump’s immigration policies has significantly declined. Only 38% of Americans now support his approach to immigration, down from 50% when he first took office. This decline is even more pronounced among his core supporters, with approval dropping from 50% to 41%.
US Visa Appointment Wait Times in India
Wait times for US visa appointments in India vary depending on the city and visa type. In Chennai, the wait time for a visitor visa is just one month, while it’s 10 months in Mumbai and 8 months in Delhi and Hyderabad. Student and work visas have shorter wait times, with appointments available in Delhi within 15 days.
Calls for a Full US Consulate in Bengaluru
Following a visit by the US Ambassador to Bengaluru, there have been renewed calls for the establishment of a full US consulate in the city. Bengaluru, which accounts for 37% of India’s software exports, currently lacks its own consulate, requiring residents to travel to Chennai or Hyderabad for visa services.
Good News for Indians Waiting for Green Cards
The US State Department’s March 2026 visa bulletin has brought positive news for Indians waiting for employment-based Green Cards. The final action date for the EB-2 category has advanced to September 15, 2013, and the EB-4 category has moved to July 2021. The EB-1 category has also seen progress, while the EB-3 category remains unchanged.
H-2B Visa Cap Reached
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the cap for the first round of supplemental H-2B visas has already been reached. The 18,190 additional visas made available by the government have been fully allocated, reflecting the high demand for temporary seasonal workers in the US.