Politics
- Politics
Indian American Political Grip Tightens Nationwide Despite Federal Setbacks
Indian American "Samosa Caucus" in Congress has reduced to four members following primary losses by incumbents. Despite this, the community's overall political influence has expanded, with over 250 Indian Americans elected to various offices nationwide.
NRI Herald • Aug 20
- Politics
Mayor Mamdani Sues NYC Council to Block $10,000 Teacher Aide Bonuses
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has filed a lawsuit against the New York City Council to block a newly enacted law that awards a one-time $10,000 bonus to public school paraprofessionals and teacher aides
NRI Herald • Aug 20
- Politics
Trump Cites India’s Voter ID Model to Push for US SAVE America Act
Donald Trump cited India's mandatory photo identification model to urge Congress to pass the SAVE America Act. The proposed legislation requires proof of citizenship and stricter voter ID regulations for U.S. federal elections.
NRI Herald • Aug 18
- Politics
Trump Rhetoric Normalizes Anti-Indian Hate, Warns Lawmaker
US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced a resolution condemning Donald Trump's immigration rhetoric, arguing it fuels xenophobia, normalizes anti-Indian hate, and threatens American economic competitiveness
NRI Herald • Aug 13
- Politics
Democrats Introduce Bill to Block Trump Green Card Public Charge Rule
Democratic lawmakers introduced the Protect American Values Act to block federal funding for the Trump administration's "public charge" rule, which restricts green cards for immigrants using public benefits
NRI Herald • Aug 13
- Politics
US Senate Backs 100% Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers, India in Crosshairs
U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation authorizing 100% tariffs on the top five importers of Russian energy, including China and India. The bill, targeting major buyers, now moves to the House of Representatives for review.
NRI Herald • Aug 8
- Politics
Indian Americans Face Mixed Results in Key US House Primaries Ahead of Midterms
Indian American candidates experienced mixed results in August primaries, as incumbent Pramila Jayapal secured a decisive victory while Shri Thanedar faced an upset defeat. Candidates like Suhas Subramanyam advanced, setting up competitive matchups for November.
NRI Herald • Aug 8
- Politics
Jayapal vs Sheth: Rare Indian-American Race in Washington
Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal and Republican challenger Nirav Sheth have advanced to the November 2026 general election for Washington’s 7th Congressional District. The matchup marks a rare head-to-head congressional race between two Indian-American candidates
NRI Herald • Aug 5
- Politics
Trump Launches Freedom Haulers Program for Veteran Truckers
President Donald Trump officially launched the Freedom Haulers Initiative, a major interagency program designed to fast-track U.S. military veterans into commercial trucking careers
NRI Herald • Jul 30
- Politics
Democratic Party Endorses Amish Shah, Pia Dandiya for US House Seats
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has officially endorsed Indian-American candidates Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya by adding them to its Red to Blue program. This initiative provides support to Democratic candidates competing in districts as the party seeks to reclaim the House majority
NRI Herald • Jul 29
- Politics
Pentagon Testosterone Screenings Earn Men’s Health Experts’ Praise
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a mandatory annual testosterone screening program for active-duty and reserve service members aged 30 and older during their Periodic Health Assessments, with voluntary testing available for troops under 30
NRI Herald • Jul 27
- Politics
Netanyahu Slams NYC Mayor Mamdani Over ICC Warrant Push
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of "fomenting hate" and trying to turn groups against each other during an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures.
NRI Herald • Jul 26
- Politics
US Lawmakers Urge Indian Americans to Enter Public Life
Several prominent Indian-American lawmakers in the United States are calling on the diaspora community to step into public life and run for elected office. This push is a direct response to a concerning rise in anti-India, anti-immigrant, and anti-Hindu sentiment across parts of the country
NRI Herald • Jul 26
- Politics
Bay Area Indian Community Celebrates Student 'Cockroach' Party Victory
Members of the Indian diaspora and community in the San Francisco Bay Area gathered in Fremont to celebrate the successful culmination of India's youth-led "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) protests, which forced the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
NRI Herald • Jul 26
- Politics
Indian government requests GitHub to remove Bitchat repositories during Delhi protests
Indian government has officially ordered the developer platform GitHub to remove and disable access to three repositories hosting Bitchat, an open-source decentralized messaging application. The order was issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, on July 23, 2026
NRI Herald • Jul 24
- Politics
Amish Shah Wins Arizona Democratic Primary Again, Eyes Historic November Race
Amish Shah won the Democratic primary election for Arizona's 1st Congressional District, securing the party nomination for the second consecutive election cycle
NRI Herald • Jul 23
- Politics
Texas Governor Orders Probe Into Birth Tourism, Says Citizenship Not for Sale
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a sweeping executive order directing multiple state agencies to investigate and eliminate "birth tourism" schemes across the state's healthcare industry
NRI Herald • Jul 22
- Politics
Trump Administration Freezes $1B in Medicaid Funds to CA and MN over Fraud
Trump administration is temporarily deferring approximately $867.5 million from California and $199 million from Minnesota. According to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, federal investigators used AI analytics and audits to uncover serious billing anomalies and high-risk claims
NRI Herald • Jul 21
- Politics
Trump Imposes 10% to 12.5% Tariffs on 60 Nations Over Forced Labor Concerns
President Trump is preparing to implement new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 trading partners. These Section 301 duties, which target imports over alleged forced-labor violations, are set to take effect by the end of the week to replace expiring 10% global duties
NRI Herald • Jul 21
- Politics
Priya Patel Denies Being FBI Director Kash Patel's Daughter
Conservative political commentator Priya Patel publicly addressed and denied viral claims circulating on X that she is the daughter of FBI Director Kash Patel. She attributed the rumors to a coincidence in their shared surname and urged people to stop tagging her in the false posts
NRI Herald • Jul 21
- Politics
38 Democratic Senators Demand DHS Action After Fatal ICE Shootings
After fatal ICE shootings in Houston and Maine, 38 Democratic senators urged DHS to require body cameras, clarify hiring vetting and identification rules, and explain vehicle-stop policies amid shifting enforcement directives
NRI Herald • Jul 20
- Politics
Todd Blanche Clashes With Padilla Over DOJ Posting Delay Claims
Acting Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche exploded at Senator Alex Padilla during his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, firmly rejecting allegations of systemic delays in Department of Justice grant postings and notifications
NRI Herald • Jul 20
- Politics
Senator Katie Britt Blasts Former Biden Pardon Attorney Over Death Row Commutations
Sen. Katie Britt grilled ex-U.S. Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer over clemency memos for death-row inmates convicted of killing children. Oyer defended commutations as lifelong incarceration; Republicans attacked her credibility.
NRI Herald • Jul 20
- Politics
Shri Thanedar Wins Democratic House Leadership Endorsement
House Democratic leaders endorsed Congressman Shri Thanedar for re-election in Michigan’s 13th District, backing his campaign ahead of a contested primary against progressive challenger Donavan McKinney, who has support from Bernie Sanders
NRI Herald • Jul 20
- Politics
Bihar Student Secures Rs 3 Crore Lincoln Scholarship for US Studies
Shreya Kaushik, an 18-year-old student from Siwan, Bihar, has won the prestigious Lincoln Scholarship to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree at Centre College in Kentucky, USA. Valued at roughly Rs 3 crore, this is a fully funded award covering tuition, accommodation, meals, travel, books, and health insurance.
NRI Herald • Jul 17
- Politics
US-Iran Strikes Push Brent Crude Up Over 4%
Brent crude futures surged over 4% on Monday, climbing to around $79 to $83 per barrel, as retaliatory military strikes between the U.S. and Iran escalated tensions and disrupted shipping.
NRI Herald • Jul 13
- Politics
US Indo-Pacific Retreat Opens Door for Stronger EU-India Ties
As Washington abandons its Indo-Pacific strategy for bilateral China talks and sidelines the Quad, the EU and India should deepen their renewed strategic partnership to fill the gap. This shift reduces India's prior role as a key US counterweight to China
NRI Herald • Jul 13
- Politics
Nirav Shah First Democrat in Maine Senate Race
Former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah became the first Democrat to qualify for Maine's U.S. Senate race against Susan Collins.
NRI Herald • Jul 13
- Politics
Nikki Haley Declines US Senate Run
Nikki Haley officially declined to run for South Carolina's vacant U.S. Senate seat following Lindsey Graham's death. This opens the field for other Republican candidates in the upcoming special election
NRI Herald • Jul 12
- Politics
FM Sitharaman to Review Foreign Currency Drive With PSB Heads
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair a high-level meeting with the heads of public sector banks (PSBs) and financial institutions on Monday, July 13, 2026, to evaluate the progress of their ongoing foreign currency deposit mobilization campaign
NRI Herald • Jul 12
- Politics
India Denounces Attack on Ship in Strait of Hormuz; 1 Indian Crew Missing, 10 Rescued
vessel suffered an onboard fire and severe engine room damage after being fired upon. India demanded immediate regional de-escalation and the strict protection of commercial shipping routes.
NRI Herald • Jul 12
- Politics
New York City Enacts ‘Click-to-Cancel’ Rule to Ban Subscription Traps and Junk Fees
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a landmark "Click-to-Cancel" rule that mandates businesses make canceling subscriptions as easy as signing up. The regulation, officially taking effect on October 1, 2026, targets predatory subscription traps and junk fees
NRI Herald • Jul 12
- Politics
UK MP Rupert Lowe Demands Strict Pakistan Sanctions Over Convicted Groomer Stance
Convicted in 2012 for abusing Rochdale girls, Shabir Ahmed lost his British citizenship. However, an Immigration Act loophole protecting pre-1973 Commonwealth arrivals initially blocked his direct deportation
NRI Herald • Jul 11
- Politics
Kash Patel Faces Scrutiny Over Canceled Trip, Concert, White House Summons
FBI Director Kash Patel abruptly canceled a planned trip to Chicago on Friday, July 10, 2026, while his government aircraft was waiting on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, following an immediate summons to the White House
NRI Herald • Jul 11
- Politics
Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna Detained By Israeli Settlers In West Bank
On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Khanna’s tour group was traveling in a van near Khirbet Zanuta, a small Palestinian hamlet in the southern West Bank. A group of young settlers blocked the road and surrounded their vehicle
NRI Herald • Jul 11
- Politics
ICE Officer Saves Teen Who Jumped From Moving Car in Texas
On July 2, 2026, Officer Moralez found an unconscious teenager beside Interstate 37, gave lifesaving aid, called emergency services, and earned DHS “Best of the Best” recognition for exceptional heroism.
NRI Herald • Jul 10
- Politics
Kuwaiti Artist Loses Green Card Over America 'Enemy' Remark
Secretary Rubio revoked Kuwaiti artist Tareq Alkhudari’s Green Card in July 2026, leading to custody and deportation proceedings over online anti-U.S. social media posts praising foreign adversaries and terrorist organizations.
NRI Herald • Jul 10
- Politics
PM Modi's New Zealand Visit Highlights Indian Diaspora Contributions
The Indian community welcomed PM Modi with vibrant performances from Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and classical fusions, celebrating India's heritage across continents. PM Modi praised their role in strengthening enduring people-to-people bonds with New Zealand.
NRI Herald • Jul 10 - Politics
Minnesota Daycare Owner From Viral Video Pleads Guilty to $5.5M Fraud and Trying to Flee the Country
Mahamud admitted to defrauding state and federal programs of roughly $5.5 million. This included pocketing more than $850,000 from the pandemic-era Feeding Our Future child nutrition scheme, alongside $4.6 million in false claims submitted to Minnesota's federal Child Care Assistance Program
NRI Herald • Jul 10
- Politics
Canada Expels Low-Level Bishnoi Gang Member
Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has ordered the deportation of Jashandeep Singh, an Indian national described by law enforcement as a "bottom-tier" member or "soldier" of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
NRI Herald • Jul 10
- Politics
Trade Row and "Butter Chicken Tsunami" Slur Overshadow Modi’s Historic New Zealand Visit
Modi's landmark New Zealand visit to seal a free trade deal has sparked sharp backlash, with a coalition minister warning against a "butter chicken tsunami" of migrants and an evangelical preacher urging retaliation over India's treatment of Christians
NRI Herald • Jul 10
- Politics
China Lands Reusable Rocket, Cuts Space Mission Costs
China successfully completed its first sea-based recovery of an orbital-class reusable rocket booster, launching and catching the first stage of a Long March 10B rocket on July 10, 2026
NRI Herald • Jul 10
- Politics
Tom Suozzi Named Democratic Vice-Chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans
Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) was named Democratic Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. Appointed by Caucus Chairman Ro Khanna, Suozzi's key role focuses on strengthening the U.S.-India strategic alliance
NRI Herald • Jul 10
- Politics
Texas Rep. Brian Harrison Demands State Halt Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens After Supreme Court Ruling
Texas State Representative Brian Harrison and other conservative lawmakers are urging Governor Greg Abbott to convene a special legislative session to stop issuing birth certificates to children born to non-citizens.
NRI Herald • Jul 9
- Politics
Indian Overseas Congress USA Launches Michigan Chapter, Expands National Presence
Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOC USA) officially launched its Michigan State Chapter on June 26, 2026, during a ceremony that also marked a major national expansion. Held at St. Toma Hall in Farmington Hills, Michigan, the event drew nearly 700 attendees, including professionals, community leaders, and supporters.
NRI Herald • Jul 9
- Politics
Indian-American Dr. Nirav Shah Launches Campaign for Maine US Senate Seat
Dr. Nirav Shah officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate in Maine on July 9, 2026, launching a campaign to secure the state's Democratic nomination
NRI Herald • Jul 9
- Politics
Governor Newsom Appoints Vishesh Anand, Dhakshike Wickrema to California Housing Agency
California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Indian American Vishesh Anand as Senior Advisor and South Asian M. Dhakshike Wickrema as Deputy Secretary of Homelessness at the newly established California Housing and Homelessness Agency (CHHA)
NRI Herald • Jul 8
- Politics
Indian-American Politicians Celebrate Immigrant Roots & American Dream
Indian-American leaders from both parties, from Ajit Pai recalling his parents' arrival with just $8 to Pramila Jayapal urging humane reform amid restrictions, celebrate their diaspora contributions to America's founding ideals as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
NRI Herald • Jul 8
- Politics
US Demands Extradition of Indian Cop in $400K Extortion Case
United States law enforcement authorities have unsealed federal indictments charging a Punjab Police Station House Officer (SHO), Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, and announced plans to seek his extradition from India over an alleged $400,000 transnational extortion plot
NRI Herald • Jul 8
- Politics
Americans May Soon Submit Passport Photos From Home
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new State Department initiative that will allow Americans to take and submit passport photos from home using a smartphone or laptop camera
NRI Herald • Jul 8
- Politics
International Student Applications Drop at 60% of US Colleges
Nearly six in 10 U.S. colleges have seen a decline in international applications, driven by restrictive immigration policies, tightened post-schooling work restrictions, and a surge in visa denials
NRI Herald • Jul 8
- Politics
India Seeks Deportation Of Mahadev Betting App Kingpin From Oman
India is seeking the deportation of Mahadev betting app kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman, where he was detained while traveling with a forged passport.
NRI Herald • Jul 8
- Politics
PM Modi Lands in Australia, Gets Grand Diaspora Welcome, Trade and Defence Talks Ahead
PM Modi is scheduled to address a highly anticipated mega diaspora gathering of approximately 30,000 attendees at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, July 9
NRI Herald • Jul 8
- Politics
US Accuses Lawrence Bishnoi of Targeting Indian-Origin Individuals
The US has indicted jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi for leading a violent global syndicate responsible for extortion, drug trafficking, and targeted assassinations against citizens.
NRI Herald • Jul 8
- Politics
US Accuses India-Based Gangs of Murder, Extortion Against Diaspora
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have unveiled three major indictments charging 37 individuals connected to three India-based transnational organized crime groups accused of widespread racketeering, extortion, targeted killings, and drug trafficking
NRI Herald • Jul 8
- Politics
IIM Bangalore to Open First Overseas Campus in Indonesia, Modi Announces
PM Modi announced IIM Bangalore will open its first overseas campus in Indonesia.
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
PM Modi Launches Diaspora Tour From Indonesia to Australia
PM Modi kicked off his tour in Jakarta on July 7, addressing the Indian community and calling Indonesia a "true friend" while highlighting India's "reform, perform and transform" mantra. President Prabowo joined the event, underscoring the diaspora's role as a living bridge betwe
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
Gill Ad Lacks Indian American Wife, Sparks Outcry
Texas Rep. Brandon Gill faces backlash after his traditional family values campaign ad excluded his Indian American wife Danielle D’Souza Gill, despite their marriage. Critics, including Rep. Shri Thanedar, labeled him a grifter appealing to prejudiced voters while holding anti-i
NRI Herald • Jul 7 - Politics
NY Man Files Lawsuit Against ICE Over Home Visit After Email
A New York man has sued ICE, alleging agents violated his First Amendment rights by visiting his home after he emailed of criticism.
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
Trump Praises Walmart Price Reductions Following White House Appeal
President Trump said Walmart agreed to lower prices on ground beef and other products after a White House request.
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
Indian American Ajay Thomas Named Southwestern University Board Chair-Elect
Indian American public sector investment banking professional to begin his term as board chair on July 1, 2027.
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
GOP Rep Criticized for Omitting Indian Wife From Family Ad
The MAGA congressman criticized for leaving out his Indian American wife from an image promoting traditional family values.
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
Indian American Tennis Star Samir Banerjee Reveals Success Formula
Celebrated Indian American tennis player Samir Banerjee’s algorithm determines which players were most successful.
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
Iran Funeral Crowd Chants Anti-Trump Slogans After Airstrikes
Iran holds Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral as mourners chant anti-Trump slogans amid heightened tensions following U.S.-Israeli airstrikes.
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
Indian Diaspora Strengthens Trade During Modi Indonesia Trip
Indian diaspora in Indonesia is stepping up in two key ways during PM Modi's visit. Economic bridge : Leaders like Bharat Kumar Jain and Siddharth Taparia push for deeper trade in mining, energy, infrastructure and tech, noting untapped potential despite growing ties. Cultural am
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
Teacher Wins $287K Settlement Over Charlie Kirk Social Media Row
Michelle Mickens received nearly $287,500 in a settlement after suing her school district over disciplinary action tied to posts about Kirk.
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
Walz Slams Trump Over Hijab Student Video Repost
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz criticized President Trump after he reposted a video of kindergarten students wearing hijabs.
NRI Herald • Jul 7
- Politics
UK South Asian Donors Give Millions Across Parties
Britain's South Asian business community is diversifying its political donations, signaling broader strategic engagement. Conservatives led with just over £1 million, including £250,000 from property developer Kamal Pankhania. Labour received £644,000, with Harish Sodha contribut
NRI Herald • Jul 6
