Latest news with #DOS
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Pausing student visa interviews will increase uncertainty, create chaos, and deter global talent: US-based associations
US President Donald Trump The decision of the US Department of State (DOS) to pause visa interviews for international students, has invited flak from various associations. Marco Rubio, Secretary, DOS has recently ordered a pause on consulate appointments for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M and J visa categories). The move comes as the US government plans to expand social media checks for all student and exchange visitor visa applicants. Soon thereafter, a statement announced revocation of visas for Chinese students. 'Under President Trump's leadership, the US State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong,' it states. India and China are the main countries of origin of international students. According to the Open Doors Report, released last November, during the academic year 2023-24, there were 3.31 lakh Indian students in the US (constituting 29.4% of the total number of international students). This was followed by 2.77 lakh Chinese students (24.6% of the total number of international students). Responding to the pause on visa interviews, Miriam Feldblum, President and CEO of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration said, 'The State Department's decision to pause visa interviews for international students during this crucial admissions period is deeply concerning. It will generate harmful delays and likely cause longer-term chaos. In the immediate term, it disrupts existing processes and creates great uncertainty for students and campuses. Alongside plans to expand the existing social media vetting and screening of all international student applicants, this decision continues a pattern of administrative actions, including the SEVIS student record terminations and visa revocations, that contradict America's national economic, academic, and global interests.' 'If unaddressed, this growing climate of fear, volatility, and uncertainty will weaken our nation's prosperity and competitiveness. Deterring students from choosing American colleges and universities costs us the valuable contributions of international students to campuses, communities and the economy, and threatens America's longstanding position as the world's premier destination for international talent. This is not about quotas, but about talent. A decline in new international enrolments will harm communities and regions across the country. International students fuel cutting-edge research and innovation and expose domestic students to ideas and approaches that prepare them to participate in the global economy. Every year, tuition revenues from international students support programs and funding streams that serve all students on our campuses,' she added. According to the Presidents' Alliance, in 2023–2024, international students contributed nearly $44 billion to the US economy and supported over 378,000 jobs, making international education the seventh-largest US service export. 'Stand up for international students' is a prominent post by On its website it stated that international students and graduates are critical to the STEM workforce and industries of the future. These students drive innovation by performing essential work in university labs and classrooms and contributing to American companies while working on optional practical training (OPT). Tens of thousands of international students are positioned to graduate with degrees related to key fields like AI and semiconductors each year. In addition, a quarter of the US billion-dollar startup companies were founded by a former international student who each created an average of 860 jobs. In total, 44% of these 'unicorn' startups were started by someone outside the US. The Association pointed out that if America loses its reputation as the premier destination for international student education, it is not a status that it will be able to easily recover.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Why DOS In Lodhi Colony Should Be Your Next Stop For Cocktails And Comfort Food
If you enjoy discovering fresh flavours and stylish spaces, DOS in Lodhi Colony should be on your radar this summer. This vibrant spot has rolled out a new seasonal menu, and it's packed with personality. Crafted by chefs Jatin Mallick and Julia Carmen De Sa, the creative minds behind Tres, the menu brings together global street food with a touch of finesse. It's playful, surprising, and full of bold flavour combinations that keep things interesting. Alongside the food, the bar menu also shines with refreshing, ingredient-forward cocktails. The vibe at DOS shifts just as smoothly as the menu's bold flavours. Set across two floors, the space transitions with ease - from a relaxed cafe during the day to a lively, energetic spot once the sun sets. Whether you're dropping in for a slow brunch, catching up over evening drinks, or planning a full-blown dinner outing, DOS knows how to set the scene. I had the chance to try the new summer menu myself, and it definitely lived up to the buzz. Cocktails That Kick Things Off I began the evening with Dos Me Up Spicy, a bold and zesty drink made with tequila, wasabi, sour cream, agave, cilantro, and basil. It was sharp, slightly creamy, and a real palate opener. If you're into adventurous cocktails, this one sets the tone perfectly. Next came the Penthouse Panda, and this one completely stole the show. A refreshing mix of gin, pandan, citrus, and in-house orange syrup, it was the kind of drink that you want to sip slowly and savour. Another standout was the Sexy Lady Stunner - a smooth blend of Martini Bianco, house-made whiskey blend, and roasted pineapple. Light, balanced, and a total crowd-pleaser. Small Plates With Big Flavours From the vegetarian side of the menu, we tried the Three Mushroom Parfait. Creamy, earthy, and beautifully layered with crispy mushroom, pickled portobello, and porcini sourdough. However, the sourdough was a little too charred, which gave it an off-putting taste, but overall the dish had us hooked from the first bite. Meat lovers, don't skip the Barbecue Chicken Cheese Kebab. Served with pepper feta sauce, pickled zucchini, Brazilian nuts, and brown onion, the kebab was juicy, well-spiced, and rich without being too heavy. The only complaint? We wish there was a little more of it on the plate. Hearty Mains Worth The Hype For the main course, we dug into the Sloppy Miso Chicken Minced Crispy Chicken Burger - a mouthful to say, and an even better mouthful to eat. Tucked into a croissant bun, the burger had a crunchy exterior and a juicy, flavour-packed centre. The layers of burger sauce, pickled chilli, tomato, cucumber relish, and cheese were brought together with a rich dipping gravy that made each bite feel indulgent. We also tried Mr. B's Favourite Spanish Chorizo Spaghetti. With candy tomatoes, cream, basil, rocket, parmesan, and a drizzle of chorizo oil, it was comforting and delicious, though definitely on the heavier side. This one's best shared if you're saving room for dessert. A Sweet Ending Dessert was easily the highlight of the evening. We chose the Pull Me Up Mango, which featured layers of coconut rum tiramisu, fresh Alphonso mango, and delicate coconut jelly. It was tropical, light, and beautifully presented - the kind of dessert that feels like a celebration in itself. Final Thoughts DOS is more than just a pretty space with good music. It's a place where flavours are bold, the drinks are inventive, and the overall experience feels fresh and fun. Whether you're a fan of well-crafted cocktails, modern takes on comfort food, or simply want a spot that feels lively and inviting, DOS delivers.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Trump Stonewalls Federal Judges In New Round Of Brazen Defiance
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPM's Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. In three closely watched anti-immigration cases, the Trump administration continued its slo-mo constitutional defiance of the judicial branch … After the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals last week upheld her order that the Trump administration facilitate the return of a Venezuelan man deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act in violation of a court approved settlement agreement, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher of Maryland set a deadline of 5 p.m. ET yesterday for the administration to provide a status update on Cristian, a pseudonym for the man. The Trump DOJ missed the deadline, and what it did file later in the evening was largely non-responsive to the judge's questions. It mirrors the pattern in the other Maryland case, of Abrego Garcia, who has also been imprisoned in El Salvador since March 15. Gallagher had three questions for the Trump administration. Here's how it responded in a declaration by ICE official Mellissa Harper that went on at length about Cristian's January criminal conviction in Texas for cocaine possession but barely addressed, if at all, what the judge had asked for: (1) Cristian's current physical location and custodial status Gov't Response: 'It is DHS's understanding that Cristian is in the custody of El Salvador.' (2) What steps, if any, Defendants have taken to facilitate Cristian's return to the United States Gov't Response: 'DHS has informed the Department of State (DOS) of the Court's order and requested DOS assistance in complying with the Court's order. DOS has acknowledged DHS's request.' (3) What additional steps Defendants will take, and when, to facilitate Cristian's return. Gov't Response: Nada That's the full extent of the government's substantive response to the judge's questions. No dates, no place names, no next steps. No declaration from the State Department. Nothing that engages in good faith with the judge's order. I should note that because the government missed the deadline for the required filing, it had to ask the judge for leave to file late. She hasn't yet granted leave. Stay tuned. In the adjacent case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Trump DOJ pulled a bullshit move and was called out on it by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis of Maryland. As the clock neared 5 p.m. ET yesterday on the day the administration's substantive answer to the lawsuit was due, the Trump DOJ filed a motion asking for 30 more days to file. It's not the extension request itself but the sloppiness and disrespect of asking for the extension on the day the filing was due, and late in the business day at that. Xinis denied the extension request, noting that it came on 'the very day Defendants' answer or response to the Complaint is due.' She brought the administration up short because it 'expended no effort in demonstrating good cause' and through a total of five hearings had not 'even intimated they needed more time to answer or otherwise respond.' But it was the administration's claim that expedited discovery in the case had taken up time it would have used to file a timely answer that really set Xinis off: [Defendants] vaguely complain, in two sentences, to expending 'significant resources' engaging in expedited discovery. But these self-described burdens are of their own making. The Court ordered expedited discovery because of Defendants' refusal to follow the orders of this Court as affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Later in the evening, the Trump DOJ met its deadline by filing a weak motion to dismiss the case, arguing the Xinis has no jurisdiction. The Trump administration took the South Sudan deportations case to the Supreme Court on an emergency basis rather than comply with a lower court order to provide the deportees due process on the ground in Africa, which it had urged the trial judge to allow it to do. Its application to the high court was deeply misleading about what had transpired in the lower court and what the administration had agreed to and been ordered to do. In a colorful opinion sprinkled with more than two dozen exclamation points and an unfortunate footnote reference to a bastardized gumbo recipe, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon of DC nullified President Trump's executive order against WilmerHale as unconstitutional. The number of threats against federal judges has spiked since President Trump took office, according to data from the U.S. Marshals Service that was provided to the NYT by U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, whose son was killed in a 2020 attack at her New Jersey home. Trump pardoned tax cheat Paul Walczak after his mother attended a $1 million fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Trump is pardoning reality TV fraudsters Todd and Julie Chrisley. U.S. pardon attorney Ed Martin has personally reviewed the pardon application of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, one of several new applications by convicted seditionist conspiracists who already had their sentences commuted by Trump to time served but are now seeking full pardons. In an interview about Trump's pardon of a convicted Virginia sheriff, Ed Martin told the WSJ: 'He's a guy that was on the right side of a lot of issues …' Treasury: U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas of New York lifted her final restrictions on DOGE staffers' access to sensitive Treasury Department payments systems after concluding that they have been properly vetted and trained. BLM: A veteran official at the Bureau of Land Management was escorted out headquarters yesterday after resisting orders from a DOGE staffer who became the Interior Department's acting chief human capital officer. Leo Terrell, the Trump DOJ official leading a bogus anti-semitism task force, went on Fox News to threaten the University of California system with 'massive lawsuits.' 'We are going to go after them where it hurts them financially,' Terrell said. In a sign that universities are still fighting the Trump administration on the terms it sets, a UC spokesperson responded to the Terrell threat by denouncing anti-semitism. The CDC will no longer recommend routine Covid shots for healthy children and pregnant women, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in a post on X. RFK Jr. threatened that unless three prestigious medical journals – the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and The Lancet – 'change dramatically' he would bar government scientists from publishing in them.
New York Post
7 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
US warns Venezuela now poses ‘highest risk' for American travelers
The United States government is advising US citizens to avoid traveling to Venezuela and its borders. Venezuela currently has the highest Travel Advisory with a level 4. Advertisement Per the US Department of State, citizens are warned not to travel to Venezuela due to severe risks. The risks include wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. Currently, more US nationals are wrongfully detained in Venezuela than anywhere else in the world. In March 2019, the DOS withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the US Embassy in Caracas and suspended operations. Advertisement This means there is no US consulate operating in Venezuela and the US government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to US citizens in Venezuela. Police and security forces have instituted a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy or anti-regime demonstrations, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants, which occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism. If you are planning to still travel to Venezuela, the State Department recommends you do the following before traveling. 3 The United States government suggested US citizens avoid travel to Venezuela. AP Advertisement Travelers should prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney. Develop a communication plan with family or your company with a 'proof of life' protocol and consider hiring a professional security detail. Travelers should have an understanding that medical care will be limited in Venezuela, especially over-the-counter medication. 3 Americans traveling to Venezuela are advised to 'prepare a will.' AP Advertisement 3 Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed unwavering support for Venezuelan opposition leaders last week. POOL/AFP via Getty Images Avoid Venezuela's border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana as Colombian terrorist groups operate in those areas. If you choose to travel to Venezuela, the US will not be able to assist you in recovering lost, stolen or expired travel documents. It is advised that any US citizen currently in Venezuela should depart immediately.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US warns Venezuela now poses 'highest risk' for American travelers
The United States government is advising U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to Venezuela and its borders. Venezuela currently has the highest Travel Advisory with a level 4. Per the U.S. Department of State, citizens are warned not to travel to Venezuela due to severe risks. The risks include wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. Venezuela Will Face 'Severe, And Escalating Sanctions' If It Doesn't Accept Its Citizens, Rubio Says Currently, more U.S. nationals are wrongfully detained in Venezuela than anywhere else in the world. Read On The Fox News App In March 2019, the DOS withdrew all diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and suspended operations. This means there is no U.S. consulate operating in Venezuela and the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. Americans Held Captive By South American Dictator Symptom Of Deeper Threat, Says Former Green Beret Police and security forces have instituted a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy or anti-regime demonstrations, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants, which occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism. If you are planning to still travel to Venezuela, the State Department recommends you do the following before traveling. Travelers should prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney. Develop a communication plan with family or your company with a "proof of life" protocol and consider hiring a professional security detail. Travelers should have an understanding that medical care will be limited in Venezuela, especially over-the-counter medication. Avoid Venezuela's border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana as Colombian terrorist groups operate in those areas. If you choose to travel to Venezuela, the U.S. will not be able to assist you in recovering lost, stolen or expired travel documents. It is advised that any U.S. citizen currently in Venezuela should depart article source: US warns Venezuela now poses 'highest risk' for American travelers
