Latest news with #J-1
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
'Buying' American spouse won't get you US citizenship, Trump admin warns
Trump administration warns immigrants that fake marriages won't lead to US citizenship, as crackdown on marriage fraud takes centre stage Buying a spouse doesn't make you a US citizen — that was the blunt message from the Trump administration on Tuesday as it took to X, formerly Twitter, to mock a Chinese national's attempt at immigration fraud. In a sharp-tongued post, the White House said: 'Jiejun tried to finesse a wedding for a free pass — BUT ICE SAID NAH AND SWIPED RIGHT. No dress. No vows. No citizenship. JUST DEPORTED. IT'S A MATCH.' The post referred to the deportation of Jiejun Shen, who was accused of entering into a fake marriage. According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Shen had a criminal history involving extortion — specifically, an intent to extort marriage. He is now being removed from the country. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a warning too. 'Our officers are expertly trained to catch these sham marriages,' it said. In a separate case from May 28, 2025, 29-year-old Aakash Prakash Makwana, an Indian national, pleaded guilty in federal court to orchestrating a fake marriage to gain a green card. Makwana had entered the US on November 23, 2019, on a J-1 visa meant for temporary hospitality work. The visa expired a year later, but he stayed on illegally. By August 2021, he agreed to pay a US citizen $10,000 (around ₹8.3 lakh) to marry him. They registered their marriage on September 3, 2021, but fabricated documents to suggest they were living together. Among the falsified evidence was a lease agreement, utility bills, and shared bank statements. He even forged the property manager's signature — leading to an additional charge of aggravated identity theft. Fake wedding, real consequences Marriage-based green cards are a common route to permanent residence in the US, but the government has made it clear that any fraud — especially by people who are already out of status — can result in removal proceedings. 'If you're out of status and apply for a marriage-based green card — or if you fall out of status while your case is pending — a denial could land you in deportation court,' Abhisha Parikh, a US-based immigration lawyer said in a social media post. Sham marriages can take different forms, according to US-based Herman Law Firm: • Paying someone to marry solely for immigration benefits • Mutual agreements where both parties know the marriage is not genuine • Entering marriage under false pretences, tricking one party 'First, make sure you're not entering marriage to boycott the US immigration law, which is punishable by law,' the firm said. A marriage certificate is only the starting point. USCIS requires additional proof — shared leases, joint bank accounts, and communication history are some common checks. 'Every piece of information, every deadline, and every piece of evidence can make or break your case,' the firm added. Crackdown under trump gains voter support President Donald Trump's administration has made immigration fraud one of its top priorities since returning to office. A Harvard CAPS/Harris poll released Monday found 60 per cent of voters back Trump's move to close the US border. Support ran high among Republicans (89 per cent), independents (55 per cent), and even a third of Democrats (34 per cent). Three in four respondents said they supported the deportation of individuals with criminal records who are in the country unlawfully. This included 93 per cent of Republicans, 70 per cent of independents, and 59 per cent of Democrats.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Could Sting Seasonal Workforce, Experts Warn
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Trump administration is set to introduce new fees for visa applicants coming to the United States, including seasonal workers, prompting fears that beach towns and resorts could lose out. Under President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be charged, starting next year. While reportedly refundable, organizations that support temporary workers and cultural exchange visitors from Latin American and Asian countries are warning that cost could be enough to prevent temporary immigrants from applying for J-1 and other temporary visas. "Even a 10 or 20 percent reduction in program participation would have a significant impact on the seasonal hospitality industry across the country," Kasey Simon, president and responsible officer of United Work and Travel, which works as a J visa program sponsor, told Newsweek. "We're talking hotel housekeepers, student workers inside of a restaurant, lifeguards, amusements. Everything would be affected." Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and State Department for comment via email and contact form Tuesday morning. Why It Matters While the Trump administration has been clear that it wants to increase immigration security by tightening checks, experts have warned that increasing fees will put off legal visitors and workers, while also making it harder for immigrants in the U.S. already to navigate the legal system. Travelers hand documents to airline staff at Miami International Airport during Memorial Day weekend on May 24. Travelers hand documents to airline staff at Miami International Airport during Memorial Day weekend on May 24. GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Upward of 300,000 people come to the U.S. each year on J-1 visas to work in a variety of roles like au pairs, camp counselors and medical staff, as well as those working summer jobs at resorts, in beach towns and at tourism hotspots. As of this month, the cost of applying for a J-1 visa is $185, per the State Department, and United Work and Travel is concerned that additional fees will place a heavy burden on low-income workers seeking a U.S. visa. According to Simon, for two of the main countries his organization works with—Jamaica and the Dominican Republic—the extra fees would likely be the equivalent of a monthly wage for some applicants. Those who take temporary jobs under the program—from hotel cleaning roles to camp counselors—often cover jobs Americans cannot, Simon noted, because they are available for longer periods of time. For example, they can arrive just before summer peak and work through Labor Day. What Is the Visa Integrity Fee? The Visa Integrity Fee was introduced in the OBBB as part of wider immigration changes that released extra funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and added new fees to specific visa and immigration benefits. "In general -- In addition to any other fee authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require the payment of a fee, equal to the amount specified in this subsection, by any alien issued a nonimmigrant visa at the time of such issuance," the bill reads. The fee is set at $250 for the first year, and it would be refunded to each applicant as long as they leave the U.S. once the visa term expires, and they do not seek unauthorized work. If an individual opts to stay in the country and apply for a longer-term visa or green card, it is unlikely the fee will be reimbursed. Tourists take photos of the Statue of Liberty aboard a ferry to Liberty Island in New York City on February 13, 2023. Tourists take photos of the Statue of Liberty aboard a ferry to Liberty Island in New York City on February 13, 2023. Getty Images Will ESTA Be Affected? It does not appear that tourists eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), will need to pay the additional fee, but the cost is rising from $21 to $40. The U.S. Travel Association warned that even this increase could hurt tourism numbers. What People Are Saying Simon, in his interview with Newsweek: "There are some positives here. It does encourage compliance and lawful conduct for participants ... and it does help to fund the U.S. immigration system and process, and we all want that as well." U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman, in a statement early this month: "Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation's largest exports: international travel spending. These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices." The House Judiciary Committee, in a May press release: "President Trump and House Republicans are committed to restoring immigration integrity and enhancing national security. The Judiciary Committee's reconciliation provisions, which passed out of our committee, deliver critical resources to advance both priorities." What's Next United Work and Travel is looking for clarification and reassurance from the Trump administration on how the new fee will be implemented, including the refund policy. Check out Newsweek's live blogs for the latest immigration updates.
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Student views on horrific issues 'shouldn't affect' J-1 experience
Students should not be deprived of a US J-1 visa for expressing a view on 'horrific issues that are happening around the world', the Tánaiste has said. Last month, the US Embassy in Dublin said students applying for J-1 visas will undergo 'comprehensive and thorough social media vetting'. Simon Harris said he had 'a good conversation' about visas with Ed Walsh, US Ambassador to Ireland, yesterday. Students should not be deprived of a US J-1 visa for expressing a view on 'horrific issues that are happening around the world', the Tánaiste has said. Pic: Olivier Hoslet/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock He said: 'I was making the point that we live in a country where young people have very, very strong views – as do I – and they have every right to express those views. 'Freedom of speech matters. Being able to freely express yourself – online, offline, through protest – is an important part of our democracy, and I know Mr Trump is somebody who I would imagine in his own country would champion free speech. 'So we very much want our young people to continue to be able to articulate their very strongly held views… but that shouldn't deprive somebody from going on J-1.'
Dublin Live
5 days ago
- Politics
- Dublin Live
Students shouldn't miss out on J-1s over views on 'horrific' world issues, says Tanaiste
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Students should not be deprived of a US J-1 visa for expressing a view on 'horrific issues that are happening around the world', the Tanaiste has said. Last month, the US Embassy in Dublin announced that students applying for J-1 visas will undergo 'comprehensive and thorough vetting' of their social media. The changes also apply for other exchange visitor applicants in the F, M and J non-immigrant classifications. All applicants are asked to list all their social media profiles, and make their accounts publicly accessible. Failure to do so could lead to a visa being rejected. The embassy said it will use all available information in its visa screening to identify those who 'are inadmissible' to the US, including those who pose a threat to national security. It said it wanted to ensure those applying for admission into the US 'do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests'. It added that a US visa 'is a privilege, not a right'. Ireland's national students' union said the new measures represent a significant and disproportionate intrusion into personal lives and digital privacy, and that they raise serious concerns about freedom of expression and online surveillance. Simon Harris said he had 'a really good conversation' about student visas with Ed Walsh, US ambassador to Ireland, on Monday. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr Harris said: 'I think Ambassador Walsh knows the importance of the people-to-people connection between our two countries. 'I was making the point that we live in a country where young people have very, very strong views – as do I, by the way – on a lot of what's going on in the world and they have every right to express those views. And freedom of speech matters and being able to freely express yourself – online, offline, through protest – is an important part of our democracy, and I know President Trump is somebody who I would imagine in his own country would champion free speech. He added: 'So we very much want our young people to continue to be able to articulate their very strongly held views on horrific issues that are happening around the world but that shouldn't deprive somebody from going on J-1.' Mr Harris said while immigration policy and visas is a matter for the US, he said he and the ambassador agreed to keep in touch on the matter. 'Ireland and the US have been friends for hundreds of years. It's important we keep those connections going, and I wouldn't like to see anything that causes apprehension for a young person travelling to the United States – and I just made that point to Ambassador Walsh.' Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Students should not be ‘deprived' of US visas for protesting, Harris says
Last month, the US Embassy in Dublin announced that students applying for J-1 visas will undergo 'comprehensive and thorough vetting' of their social media. The changes also apply for other exchange visitor applicants in the F, M and J non-immigrant classifications. All applicants are asked to list all their social media profiles, and make their accounts publicly accessible. Failure to do so could lead to a visa being rejected. The embassy said it will use all available information in its visa screening to identify those who 'are inadmissible' to the US, including those who pose a threat to national security. It said it wanted to ensure those applying for admission into the US 'do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests'. It added that a US visa 'is a privilege, not a right'. Ireland's student union body, Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éireann (AMLÉ), said the new measures represent a significant and disproportionate intrusion into personal lives and digital privacy, and that they raise serious concerns about freedom of expression and online surveillance. Simon Harris said he had 'a really good conversation' about student visas with Ed Walsh, US ambassador to Ireland, today. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr Harris said: 'I think Ambassador Walsh knows the importance of the people-to-people connection between our two countries. ADVERTISEMENT 'I was making the point that we live in a country where young people have very, very strong views – as do I, by the way – on a lot of what's going on in the world and they have every right to express those views. 'And freedom of speech matters and being able to freely express yourself – online, offline, through protest – is an important part of our democracy, and I know president Trump is somebody who I would imagine in his own country would champion free speech. He added: 'So we very much want our young people to continue to be able to articulate their very strongly held views on horrific issues that are happening around the world but that shouldn't deprive somebody from going on J-1.' Mr Harris said while immigration policy and visas is a matter for the US, he said he and the ambassador agreed to keep in touch on the matter. 'Ireland and the US have been friends for hundreds of years. It's important we keep those connections going, and I wouldn't like to see anything that causes apprehension for a young person travelling to the United States – and I just made that point to Ambassador Walsh.'
