On June 19, Deidre Hall gave the Today show host a slap in the face Craig Melvin In a live clip celebrating her 50th anniversary as Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives. The moment was prearranged based on Melvin’s own suggestion.
Deidre Hall slapped Today host Craig Melvin during a live broadcast celebrating 50 years of playing Marlena Evans. (Today’s clip)
Here’s what Craig Melvin had to say about Deidre Hall’s dramatic slap in the face
she suggested Melvin He tilted his head to one side as she swung and later said she was “going to miss.” Both men laughed as the studio audience reacted.
When Melvin asked her if she had ever counted the number of times she’d been slapped on screen throughout her career, Hall admitted she “couldn’t imagine”.
“If you could slap me, it would be one of the greatest professional honors of my life,” Melvin then told her.
The video went viral on social media after it aired, with many viewers considering it one of the funniest live TV moments of the year. Within an hour, the hashtag “staged slap” was trending across America.
Who is Dietrich Hall?
Hall has played psychiatrist Marina Evans on Days of Our Lives since 1976, making herself one of the longest-serving actors in soap opera history. The show left the NBC daytime lineup in 2022 and transitioned to “Peacock,” and Hall has maintained his character in the process. She is considered one of the most recognizable figures in American daytime television.
The slap is a signature move from Days of Our Lives. The dramatic slap in the face has been a soap opera staple for years, used to highlight moments of betrayal, revelation or confrontation. Hall’s technique – a quick movement that ends outside the face as the other actor’s back is turned – is standard in stage fighting, honed over years of experience.
Who is Craig Melvin?
Melvin He has been the anchor of “Today” since 2018. His eagerness to be a part of the show exemplifies the show’s enduring strategy of combining interviews with interactive elements. The Season 3 premiere of House of the Dragon falls on this day, so June 19 is an especially important day in television news.
Hall did not discuss her future intentions on the show, instead focusing on the anniversary celebrations. Days of Our Lives has been renewed on Peacock until at least 2027, and Hall has not hinted at any plans to leave her character. This interview looks back at her time joining the cast in 1976 and the evolution of audience engagement with daytime dramas.
The Today Show clip has gone viral since it aired. Viewers of the show described it as a fitting tribute to a character who played a key role in some of the most intense narratives in daytime television.
Jaskirat Singh was jailed for 5 years in the UK/Photo source: BBC
An Indian man has been sentenced to more than five years in prison after admitting his role in a smuggling network that transported migrants hidden in trucks from Britain to France. Jaskirat Singh, 25, from Wolverhampton, was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to assist illegal immigration, the BBC reported.The court heard that Singh played a central role in coordinating cross-Channel smuggling journeys, arranging transport and logistics for migrants hidden in heavy goods vehicles bound for France.Evidence recovered from Singer’s phone linked him to the operation, including messages arranging trips, videos showing large amounts of cash and a TikTok account that appeared to promote the border crossing.Prosecutors also relied on a voice recording in which Singer claimed he had been involved in the smuggling network for four years and helped transport about 60 people a week to France for nine months.Judge Alison Russell said the operation appeared to involve a group of up to 15 people who were hidden in lorries and transported across the English Channel. She told the court that Singh acted as a coordinator and logistics manager within the network and that the crimes were committed to obtain substantial financial gain.Investigators believe Singh made more than £185,000 through the scheme, the court heard.Sentencing him, Judge Russell said the migrants were being transported in unsafe and cramped conditions that put them at serious risk. She added that children may also be among those transferred during the operation.The smuggling plot came to light in December 2024 when 11 Indian nationals were found hiding in the trailer of a truck parked in Dover. Investigators later linked Singh to that incident and another border crossing attempt, leading police to his address in Wolverhampton.Peter Cockerill, District Attorney for the South East Crown Prosecution Service, said Singh played a key role in a criminal enterprise that put vulnerable people at risk.He said: “Jaskirat Singh was a significant player in organized criminal immigration operations, putting individuals at serious risk to their financial interests.”Defense lawyer Talbir Singh KC told the court that Singh moved with his family from India to Italy when he was 18 and worked legally in the country before moving to the UK. He argued that Singer was not the mastermind behind the operation but acted under the leadership of others involved in the conspiracy.The Crown Prosecution Service said it will now seek a confiscation order to recover funds believed to have been obtained from the smuggling operation.
president Donald Trump Italian Prime Minister reiterates his claim Georgia Meloni The Italian leader dismissed the claim as “completely fabricated” days after he repeatedly asked to be photographed with him during the G7 summit.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni during the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, June 17, 2026. (Handout provided by Italian Prime Minister/Reuters)
In a Truth Society post on Saturday, Trump stood by his previous remarks and launched new criticism of Meloni, further escalating a public dispute that has strained relations between the two leaders.
Trump wrote that Meloni asked “over and over again” to take a photo with him during the G7 summit in France. “Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni asked over and over again to take a photo with me during the G7 meeting in France,” Trump wrote.
The US president also criticized Meloni’s handling of Italy’s relations with Washington, claiming she had rejected US demands for military action involving Iran.
“She won’t even let us use the runways or strips in Italy, which creates a huge logistical inconvenience,” Trump wrote. He further claimed, “After the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wanted to be friends again to boost her ‘numbers.'” No thanks! ! ! “
Trump’s latest post follows comments he made during an interview with Italy’s La7 TV channel, in which he claimed Meloni “begged” him to take a photo during the interview. G7 summit At Evian-les-Bains.
“She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted to take a picture with me so bad,” Trump said, according to a translated version of the interview. “I wouldn’t have accepted it, but I felt sorry for her.”
Meloni quickly denied the claim.
“Donald Trump’s remarks are completely fabricated. Frankly, I am surprised,” the Italian prime minister said in a statement. “I don’t know why the president of the United States would behave like this towards his ally,” she added, before asserting, “He should remember one thing: neither I nor Italy will beg.”
The dispute has expanded beyond the two leaders, with senior Italian government officials criticizing Trump’s comments.
After Trump’s remarks, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his planned visit to the United States.
“President Trump’s serious and offensive remarks about Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni have offended all of Italy,” Tajani wrote on X, adding that he had decided to cancel a planned trip to the United States.
Giovanbattista Fazzolari, a deputy minister in Meloni’s government, also criticized Trump, saying it was unclear whether the US president was damaging relations between the United States and Europe “out of intent or incompetence.”
Trump and Meloni were previously seen as close political allies, with Meloni becoming the only European leader to attend Trump’s 2025 inauguration.
An 18-year-old man was found dead after a suspected stabbing outside Poole Hospital in Dorset in the early hours of Friday morning, sparking a major murder investigation and five arrests.The teenager was found on Longfleet Road near the hospital about 2:15 a.m., police said. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital for emergency treatment, but he died of his injuries shortly after.
The victim is believed to have been attacked elsewhere
Investigators believe the teenager may have been injured in an incident in Dale Close, a mile from the hospital. He was allegedly transported in a car and then left near the entrance to the hospital, according to police.A police cordon remains in place at Dale Close and forensic teams continue to examine the scene and collect evidence.
Dorset Police arrested three men on suspicion of murder, including a 20-year-old man from Poole and two Bournemouth residents aged 36 and 38.In addition, a 22-year-old man from London and another 22-year-old man from Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.Detectives continue to investigate and all five suspects remain in police custody.
Police appeal for CCTV and dash cam footage
Detective Superintendent Neil Seid said police had updated the victim’s family on the developments and offered their condolences.“We do not underestimate the concern and upset that an incident of this nature would cause to the community,” he said, adding that police had moved quickly to make arrests and progress investigations.Authorities are urging anyone who was in the Dale Close or Longfleet Road area in the early hours of Friday morning, and who may have relevant CCTV, doorbell camera or dash cam footage, to contact police.
Investigation continues
It is reported the sun and British Broadcasting CorporationDetectives are focusing on establishing the circumstances of the alleged attack and the movements of those involved before the victim was taken to hospital.Police thanked local residents for their cooperation while the cordon remained in place and said an extensive investigation was underway to ensure justice was served for the teenager and his family.
Two years after Darley’s fatal accident in Baltimore, India’s chief engineer pleaded guilty to criminal violations.
On March 26, 2024, the container ship MV Dali left the Port of Baltimore bound for Sri Lanka. Shortly after leaving port, the ship lost power and struck a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. A large section of the bridge collapsed into the river, killing six workers on the bridge. The accident became one of the United States’ worst maritime disasters.Two years after the accident, the then-chief engineer of the Dali Ship admitted that he failed to report the dangerous situation to the U.S. Coast Guard. Karthikeyan Deenadayalan, an Indian national and chief engineer of Dali Company, said that he knew that Dali Company used unsafe fuel supply pumps. According to Justice Department records, Deendayalan acknowledged that a lack of redundancy in unsafe pumps, known as flush pumps, compromised the vessel’s ability to safely navigate and recover after a power outage. He acknowledged that he was aware that an inability to recover from a power outage could adversely affect the safety of the ship itself, as well as any bridges, structures or coastal areas.
MV Dali is a 900-foot foreign flag container ship registered in Singapore. Synergy Marine Pte Ltd (headquartered in Singapore) and Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd (headquartered in Chennai, India).
The Daly lost power twice in four minutes as it sailed out of the Port of Baltimore, causing it to hit a foundation bridge. Loose wires in the high-voltage switchboard can cause the first outage. Critical systems on Dali were originally designed with reliable redundancy and automatic restart capabilities so that Dali can quickly restore power after an outage. But shortly after the ship regained power, it lost power again. The company that manages the Dali is said to have modified the ship and relies on flushing pumps to fuel two of the Dali’s four generators. However, the flushing pumps were not designed to automatically restart after a power outage, and the Dali’s generators were unable to operate without a fuel supply, so the ship eventually experienced a second blackout. If the “Dali” had used a proper fuel supply pump, the ship could have restored power in time and sailed safely under the key bridge.Earlier this year, the two companies and Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, an Indian man who worked as a technical director at both companies, were charged with conspiracy, knowingly failing to immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard of a known hazardous situation, obstructing agency proceedings, and making false statements.Dinardayaran’s admission came after the three entities were charged in federal court.
“Write a compelling email”
Deendayalan detailed conversations and correspondence he had with personnel from the two companies, including Nair, regarding the use of unsafe flushing pumps on the ships. Deendayalan said Nair instructed him to send a “convincing” email to the Dali’s charterers so that they would not ask additional questions about the Dali’s fuel consumption to prevent leaks and the use of flushing pumps.
President of the United States Donald Trump briefly confused Elon MuskDuring a speech at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, he mentioned the billionaire’s name as “Leon,” then immediately corrected himself. The moment, captured on video, went viral and sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.
Trump made the remarks while addressing U.S. Air Force service members after unveiling the new Air Force One aircraft. (Bloomberg)
According to the American Mirror, the mistake occurred when Trump was addressing U.S. Air Force service members after launching the new Air Force One aircraft.
when it comes to StarlinkSpeaking on a satellite internet service operated by Musk’s SpaceX, Trump said: “My friend Leon,” then paused and corrected himself, “…my friend Elon.”
The president continued speaking without admitting his mistake. However, clips of the exchange were shared online, with many users commenting on the verbal gaffe involving one of Trump’s longtime political allies.
The viral video prompted a flurry of reactions on X, with some users comparing it to previous scrutiny of politicians’ gaffes. One user wrote, “There’s no way MAGA can seriously say he’s okay, they’re making fun of Joe Biden looking sleepy, but he sounds confused, falls asleep in public and in meetings, and there’s evidence of swelling in his hands and ankles.”
Others dismissed the incident as a minor mistake. Another user commented: “He’s done it many times before though…he corrected himself this time.”
The social media claims have not been independently confirmed.
Trump-Musk relationship has had public highs and lows
The viral moment comes months after a highly publicized feud between Trump and Musk after they left the Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE).
At the height of their disagreement, Musk claimed that Trump would not win the 2024 presidential election without his support, writing, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election…How ungrateful.”
Despite the public conflict, the two appeared to have mended their relationship when Musk joined Trump’s delegation during the president’s visit to China in May.
As of press time, the White House has not publicly commented on the incident.
The case was investigated by the London Counter-Terrorism Policing Unit (CTP) (representative image)
A man who came under scrutiny from security agencies after visiting Pakistan two years ago has been found guilty by a British court of possessing and distributing Islamist terrorism material.Shuja Gibraeel Mohsin, 20, was found guilty on Friday after a two-week trial at London’s Old Bailey court. He will be sentenced on August 14.According to Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), which investigated Mohsin, he was intercepted by police at Heathrow Airport in January 2024 after returning to the UK from Pakistan.“After the stop, Mohsin was allowed to continue his journey, but further examination of his devices and USB drives was carried out by expert officials who found evidence that he had been viewing material and joining various chat groups related to extremist Islamic groups such as the Taliban, Hamas and Daesh (ISIS),” the CTP said in a statement.“When they examined his mobile phone, police discovered material of particular concern, including bomb-making manuals, as well as videos of Daesh executions that Mohsin had sent to his online contacts,” the statement added.He was subsequently arrested twice, in March and July 2024, and his computer was confiscated. He was later released on bail. After further questioning and an examination of his equipment, the Crown Prosecution Service approved charges against him in April 2025.According to the statement, Mohsin was convicted of possessing a document related to a bomb-making manual that could be useful to terrorists. He was also found guilty of two counts of disseminating terrorist material related to ISIS execution videos he shared with his online contacts.After the sentencing, Commander Helen Flanagan, head of London CTP, said Mosin fell into extremist ideology when he was just 14 or 15 years old. She urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities.“Our investigation shows that Mohsin began being exposed to extremist and terrorist material and ideology when he was 14 or 15 years old. It is vital that parents and caregivers understand what their children are doing on the internet. I implore you to have a conversation and be curious about what your children are doing online… Otherwise, those involved in downloading or sharing horrific content online face very clear and severe consequences, a reality that Mohsin is now facing,” the statement quoted Flanagan as saying.
Visa Notices Issued by the United States State Council The July 2026 bill raises another challenge for Indian applicants seeking employment-based green cards, declaring EB-2 and unreserved EB-5 unavailable while also delaying the EB-1 final action date by two months.
July US Visa Bulletin: The July Bulletin shows some progress for certain family sponsorship categories in India, with improved final action dates for F1, F2B and F3.
The announcement comes as the U.S. approaches the final quarter of fiscal year 2026, indicating huge demand from Indian applicants for a limited number of employment-based immigrant visas.
U.S. visa announcement in July: EB-2 and EB-5 categories are not applicable to Indian job seekers
EB-1 Final Action Date India Moved backward from December 15, 2022 in June to October 15, 2022 in July. Therefore, only applicants with priority dates before October 15, 2022, will be eligible for final approval provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
In explaining this adjustment, State Council It cited “high demand and volume usage” and warned that “it may be necessary to further roll back or make the category unavailable” before the end of the financial year on September 30.
The most significant setback is for Indian applicants in the EB-2 category, which involves professionals with advanced degrees and individuals of exceptional ability.
In July, the category was designated “U,” or unavailable, in stark contrast to the final action date of September 1, 2013, indicated in the June announcement. The U.S. State Department said India’s prorated EB-2 limit has been exhausted, rendering the category unavailable for the remainder of fiscal year 2026.
Therefore, EB-2 immigrant visa numbers cannot be assigned to Indian applicants until the annual limits are reset at the beginning of fiscal year 2027 on October 1, 2026.
The U.S. Department of State mentioned that the EB-2 India final action date is expected to progress in October to at least the date released in the May 2026 announcement. However, the actual deadline will depend on demand from Indian applicants and employment visa allocations for FY2027.
Additionally, unreserved EB-5 India is also listed as unavailable, with the final action date changed from May 1, 2022 in June to “U” in July. This category is for investors applying outside the pool set aside for rural, high unemployment and infrastructure investment.
The department similarly stated that unreserved EB-5 India will remain unavailable for the remainder of fiscal year 2026. The final action date for this category is expected to be brought forward in October to at least the deadline announced in the June announcement, although this change will depend on demand and new annual allocations.
The EB-3 and EB-4 categories provide limited relief.
Not all employment-based categories experienced regression.
The final action date for EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals has moved slightly from December 15, 2013 to January 1, 2014. Cutoff dates for other worker categories have experienced the same advancement.
EB-4 involving certain special immigrants has been moved forward two months, from July 15, 2022 to September 15, 2022.
Despite this progress, India’s EB-3 application backlog remains more than 12 years old, underscoring the long wait experienced by Indian professionals in the traditional employment-based green card system.
The submission date remains unchanged.
There is no change in the application date sheet for any Indian employment category.
The filing date for EB-1 is December 1, 2023, while the filing date for EB-2, EB-3, and other workers remains January 15, 2015. The EB-4 date remains January 1, 2023, and the unreserved EB-5 date remains May 1, 2024.
The submission chart specifies when applicants can begin submitting documents, while the final action date chart indicates when visa numbers will be available for approval.
According to USCIS regulations, employment-based adjustment of status applicants need to refer to the July final action date chart. Therefore, applicants wishing to file Form I-485 must have a priority date that is earlier than the relevant final action date.
This situation resulted in Indian applicants for EB-2 and Unreserved EB-5 being unable to file applications under these categories in July as both were marked as unavailable.
Previously submitted applications can remain pending; however, final green card approval cannot be granted until a visa number is obtained.
The EB-5 reserved category remains in effect.
All three EB-5 set-aside categories are currently available to applicants from all countries, including India and China.
These categories include investments in rural areas, areas with high unemployment and infrastructure projects. Because of their current status, eligible applicants will not encounter priority date deadlines and may have the opportunity to file both an immigration application and an adjustment of status application simultaneously under USCIS regulations.
Although the unreserved EB-5 queue has closed, the reserved category has become one of the few backlog-free employment pathways for Indian applicants.
The family-sponsored category showed selective gains.
Progress for certain family sponsorship categories in India has been limited compared to the challenges faced by employment-based applicants.
Final action date for family support – India (July 2026)
Announcements in July presented a more optimistic outlook for various categories of home sponsorship in India.
The F1 final action date for unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens has been moved up five months, from September 1, 2017 to February 1, 2018.
The F2B category (for unmarried adult children of lawful permanent residents) has been advanced from September 22, 2017 to November 22, 2017. The F3 category (for married children of U.S. citizens) has been brought forward from February 15, 2012 to April 15, 2012.
Instead, the F2A deadline for permanent resident spouses and minor children remains unchanged at January 1, 2025, and the F4 category deadline for siblings of adult U.S. citizens continues at November 1, 2006.
For Indian majors, the July communiqué is a sign of mounting pressure as the financial year-end approaches.
Possess EB-2 without reservation EB-5 Because the option is unavailable and EB-1 is back in reverse again, the additional restrictions cannot be lifted until visa allocations reset on October 1.
How does this impact H-1B holders from India?
The July announcement underscores an important reality: The employment-based immigration backlog of Indian nationals is the worst within the U.S. immigration framework.
Even highly qualified professionals who are sponsored by their employer often encounter waiting periods of several years due to country restrictions and annual caps.
Points to consider:
In July, the final action date for EB-1 India will be pushed back two months, while the final action date for EB-3 India will be moved up two weeks.
The final action date for EB-3 China will be brought forward nearly five months.
Most other employment-based final action dates will be moved up or remain unchanged.
EB-2 India and EB-5 India will continue to be unavailable for the remainder of the fiscal year.
USCIS will allow employment-based adjustment of status applications for aliens with priority dates that are earlier than the final action date specified in the Department of State’s July Visa Bulletin.
Gaurav Chopra, 19, killed his father, mother and grandmother in a shooting rampage in Texas.
In Alton, Texas, Sweeta Ram, an Indian businessman, was killed along with his wife and mother-in-law in an unexplained shooting of their 19-year-old son, Gaurav Chopra. As Gaurav faces justice, the communities of Alton and Palmview grieve over this mindless act of violence. Sweeta Ram, 56, is well known in the community for her local business.Palmview Mayor Ricardo Villarreal said Ram was like a family member and a brother to him. “He’s the best,” Villarreal said. “He was a scrappy, driven guy who always said positive things. I never heard him say a negative word.”“He brought a lot of fun, food and entertainment to the city,” Villarreal said. “I knew him more like a brother than a friend.”Neighbors and friends said Ram spoke proudly about his wife and children and often hosted parties. They watched their children grow up and could not accept such a tragedy.
Killing parents, grandmother; missing brother: How the unconscious tragedy unfolds
On Tuesday, June 16, a man called 911 and claimed that his brother, Gaurav Chopra, shot their entire family and then fled the scene. The younger brother was also hit, but not hit. The younger brother saw the body and Chopra at the scene. When Chipra saw him, he shot his brother, who fled the house.The victims were identified as Sweeta Ram, 56, Kamlesh Rani, 46, and Minder Kaur, 76, all from the Indian state of Punjab.Ram was still alive when police arrived and first aid was immediately administered. He was taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment, but later died from his injuries.Chopra’s arrest also involved a dramatic car chase that sent the pair to the hospital after a speeding Chopra crashed into their car. A handgun was also found at the crash site.Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra did not reveal any motive for the killing. Police are not aware of any previous criminal conduct by the family.Gaurav Chopra is a student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “UTRGV is aware that law enforcement has identified a suspect in an off-campus criminal investigation as a current student,” the university said in a statement. “The university is cooperating with law enforcement as appropriate. As this is an active criminal investigation, questions regarding the case should be directed to the investigating agency.”Chopra was arraigned on multiple murder and attempted murder charges, for which bail has not been set. Chopra also faces a charge of evading arrest and her bail was set at $250,000.
Major modifications to the U.S. migrant Regulations may soon complicate the ability of international students to stay in the country and complete their entire academic program without seeking additional approval.
The United States will revise the immigration rules for international students from a status period system to a fixed enrollment period. (X/@USA and India)
this White House The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved a final rule proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to replace the long-standing “Delimitation of Status” (D/S) system of fixed enrollment periods for international students and exchange visitors, The Times of India reported on Tuesday.
The move is one of the most significant changes to student visa rules in recent years and could affect thousands of Indian students planning to study in the United States.
Currently, most international students hold F-1 visa Admission to the United States is granted under a system called “Term of Status,” or D/S.
Within this framework, students can remain in the country as long as they meet visa requirements, including maintaining full-time enrollment and maintaining valid student status. Their stay has no scheduled end date.
This flexibility enables students to:
If necessary, their study time can be extended.
Change their academic curriculum.
Transition from bachelor’s to master’s programs.
Transfer between different universities.
If eligible, complete Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT.
Impact of new changes
The new regulations will replace the D/S system and stipulate access deadlines.
Although the final text has not yet been released, an early draft of the proposal suggests that most F-1 and J-1 visa holders would be granted entry for up to four years. Students enrolled in courses beyond this time frame will need to seek an extension from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
In effect, this suggests that international students will no longer automatically maintain their identity simply by studying.
Instead, they may need to obtain additional government approval to continue their education beyond the approved enrollment period.
Immigration experts warned that the change could create further challenges for international students, especially those with broad academic trajectories.
Students may encounter risks associated with deferment of application and unlawful presence
According to global immigration firm Fragomen, the most significant changes will involve replacing the existing duration of status (D/S) system with fixed periods of entry for F, J and I visa holders.
Currently, international students can stay in the United States as long as they maintain student status. Fragomen noted that if the proposed rule is enacted:
Students and exchange visitors whose courses extend beyond the authorized period of enrollment may be required to submit an extension of residence application to USCIS.
Such expansion may require additional processing and biometric data collection
Students who remain in the country beyond a designated period without appropriate authorization may begin to accumulate unlawful presence, which may result in serious immigration consequences.
Additionally, Fragomen emphasized that the proposal could reduce the grace period for F-1 students after program completion from 60 days to 30 days
Why did the U.S. government decide to implement this change?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) believes that the current Duration of Status (D/S) system complicates visa compliance monitoring and overstay tracking.
Officials believe that by establishing a fixed end date, they will increase oversight of foreign students, exchange visitors and other certain visa holders. Furthermore, the government claims that this change will help standardize immigration monitoring and strengthen enforcement.
How will Indian students be affected?
India is one of the largest sources of international students in the United States. For Indian students, the potential consequences could be quite serious.
Students on long-term academic travel may need to apply for an extension from USCIS.
Under the proposed framework, changing schools, changing degree levels, or changing academic goals may become increasingly challenging. Several immigration experts warned that the rule could limit students’ ability to transfer schools or adjust their education plans without further approval.
Additionally, the proposal considers shortening the existing 60-day grace period for F-1 students after they complete their program.
Doctoral programs typically take five to seven years to complete. Students on these courses may be significantly affected as they may need to apply for deferment during their studies.
What happens next?
The White House has just completed its review of the final regulations. This means the new rules will not take effect immediately.
Next steps include publishing the final rules and then the government announcing an effective date. Legal experts predict that implementation could happen later in 2026, but the exact timeline remains unclear.
