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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Community White House Approves H-1B Wage-Based Selection, Requires Home-Country H-1B Renewals -WASHINGTON, D.C. AUGUST 11, 2025 A sweeping change to the H-1B visa program is moving forward after theWhite House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) ap- proved a proposed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule that would replace the cur- rent random lottery with a weighted selection system . The updated process would prioritize H-1B applicants based on specific selection criteria such as wage levels, educational attainment, and job skills. Under the proposed framework, H-1B petitions offer- ing higher salaries or requiring advanced qualifications would be ranked above lower-wage, entry-level roles. According to U.S. Department of Labor wage tiers, Level 4 (highly specialized, senior positions) would receive the highest priority, followed by Level 3 (experienced work- ers), Level 2 (qualified workers with some experience), and Level 1 (entry-level positions). Advanced academic credentials, such as U.S. master’s or doctoral degrees in high-demand fields, could further strengthen an H-1B applicant’s chances. The change marks a major departure from the long- standing computerized lottery used when H-1B applica- tions exceed the annual cap of 85,000 visas — 65,000 for general applicants and 20,000 for those with advanced U.S. degrees. A similar wage-based plan was attempted in 2021 under the Trump administration but was withdrawn by the Biden administration and blocked in court. Supporters argue the system would attract more highly skilled H-1B workers and boost U.S. competitive- ness, while critics warn it could disadvantage startups, nonprofits, and small businesses unable to offer top-tier salaries. “If the selection process prioritizes employer size or wage levels, large corporations could dominate the pool,” said Husain Tinwala, president of upGrad Rekrut. “This could affect innovation and diversity in the U.S. workforce.” Indian nationals remain the largest H-1B beneficiary group, with roughly 207,000 approvals in FY 2024. Ana- lysts say the proposed changes could influence career and education choices for thousands of Indian students and professionals pursuing U.S. opportunities in STEM and other high-demand sectors. MANDATORY IN-PERSON H-1B RENEWAL INTERVIEWS RETURN In a separate announcement, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that starting September 2, 2025 , all H-1B visa holders — along with other nonimmigrant visa hold- ers —must attend in-person interviews in their home countries to complete H-1B visa renewals . This reverses the interview waiver policy that had allowed certain renewals without travel. The policy change is expected to significantly affect Silicon Valley and other U.S. tech hubs. Between 2021 and 2024, the Bay Area ranked second nationally for H-1B approvals, with over 39,000 of the 78,000 newly approved H-1B workers in the region in 2024 alone — the majority from India. Because H-1B visas are typically issued for three years with one possible three-year extension, thousands will now need to travel abroad for H-1B renewal. Immigra- tion attorney Audrea Golding of San Jose cautioned that the requirement adds costs, delays, and potential work disruptions. “Some workers could be stuck abroad wait- ing for visa processing before returning to their jobs,” she said. Only applicants under age 14 or over 79 are exempt from the H-1B renewal interview mandate. Experts say the change could cause staffing gaps for companies heav- ily reliant on H-1B talent . WHAT’S NEXT FOR H-1B APPLICANTS The DHS proposal will be published in the Federal Register, followed by a 30–60 day public comment period before any final rule is enacted. Together, the wage-based H-1B selection criteria and renewed in-person H-1B renewal interview requirement represent one of the most significant overhauls to the H-1B process in years — combining a more selective talent pool with stricter procedural compliance. PHOTO:X @narendramodi By a StaffWriter US Lawmakers, India’s Consulate In Chicago Condemn Desecration Of BAPS Temple In Indiana T he Consulate General of India in Chicago on Wednesday, August 13, strongly condemned the desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, involving the vandalism of the temple’s main signboard, marking the fourth such anti-Hindu act of desecration against a temple in the US in the past year. Describing the act as “reprehensible”, the Consulate, in a statement on X, confirmed that it was in close contact with the local Hindu community and had taken up the matter with US law enforcement agencies, urging swift action against those responsible. “Desecration of main signboard of the BAPS Swami- narayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana is reprehensible. The Consulate is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with law enforcement authorities for prompt action. Today Consul General addressed a gather- ing of devotees and local leadership including Hon’ble Mayor of Greenwood, calling for unity & solidarity and vigilance against miscreants there,” the Consulate stated. Earlier, the Public Affairs division of the socio-spiritual organisation, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, called the act a “hate crime” and reaffirmed the community’s commit- ment to stand united against anti-religious bigotry. “For the 4th time in less than a year, one of our Man- dirs has been desecrated by a hateful act. The anti-Hindu hate crime against the BAPS Mandir in Greenwood, IN has only strengthened our community’s resolve, and we remain united in our stand against anti-religious behav- iour,” it stated in a post on X. US Congressman Nick LaLota also condemned the act, stating, “Religiously motivated crimes like these must be condemned and those who commit themmust be held accountable. Live and let live!” in a post on X. US Congressman Tom Suozzi also condemned the act, urging the prosecution of the perpetrators and further calling out “hatred and bigotry”. “This is the third hateful attack on a BAPS Temple. We must prosecute the per- petrators and educate against hate. We must all call out hatred and bigotry when we see it,” Suozzi stated in a post on X. The Indianapolis Star news outlet reported police were investigating the incident and that the hate graffiti had been removed after the police had been to the premises. The Mayor of Greenwood spoke at a BAPS temple meet- ing addressing concerns about the vandalism, the Star reported. The Center for Interfaith Cooperation in Indianapolis which was founded in 2011, also released a statement on August 11, condemning the act of vandalism. “In this time of increasing ignorance, hate, violence and divi- sion, CIC calls on all our partners and friends to choose curiosity, respect, empathy and compassion and to stand against violence in all its forms,” the Indianapolis Star quoted from the statement. This incident follows a series of similar attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, drawing sharp condemnation from Indian authorities and community organizations. Earlier this year, on March 9, India strongly condemned the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Califor- nia. Reacting to the incident, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the act “de- spicable” and urged US law enforcement agencies to take stringent action against those responsible. By ANI,with addon from News India Times PHOTO:X @BAPS.ORG BAPS issued an Appeal for Peace. Special Report News India Times (August 16, 2025 - August 22, 2025) August 22, 2025 5