Washington, April 15 (IANS) A US Republican senator has urged President Donald Trump to scrap a key work permit programme for foreign students, arguing it harms American graduates and poses national security risks, particularly from China.Senator Rick Scott, in a letter to Trump, praised the administration’s reported move to curb or eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, calling it a “matter in desperate need of your attention”.“These foreign student work permits not …
Latest Department of Homeland Security News & Updates
Washington, April 15 (IANS) Senate Democrats escalated pressure on President Donald Trump over the conflict with Iran, announcing plans to force repeated votes to end what they called an “illegal war of choice”, as Republicans defended the administration’s strategy and actions.Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said Democrats would “force that choice week after week after week”, accusing Republicans of creating “chaos abroad” and “chaos here” by backing the president and bl…
Washington, April 4 (IANS) US President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget outlines sweeping cuts to domestic programmes and a broad restructuring of federal agencies, while maintaining funding for core priorities such as security, law enforcement and veterans, according to the official document.The budget proposes “a 10-per cent cut compared to 2026 non-defence levels” as part of an effort to constrain spending and overhaul the Federal Government.It frames the plan as a shift…
Washington, March 31 (IANS) The White House on Monday blamed Democrats for a deepening crisis in US air travel, saying a funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has led to staff shortages, long queues, and rising security risks at airports. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said “500 TSA officers quit their jobs” in recent weeks, while “thousands more were calling out sick at record rates due to the lack of pay”.She said the situation had pushed the aviation system “t…
Washington, March 30 (IANS) A prolonged funding standoff over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disrupted US airports, with officials warning of mounting strain as hundreds of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers quit and others call in sick during a partial government shutdown now in its 44th day. The White House on Sunday moved to ease the pressure by redirecting funds to pay TSA workers, but the political deadlock shows no sign of resolution, with US Congress away…
Washington, March 29 (IANS) A funding standoff has disrupted US airports, with thousands of federal workers unpaid, as White House border czar Tom Homan said Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff will only be paid “as soon as Congress opens up the government and funds the Department of Homeland Security”. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Homan said efforts were underway to ensure TSA workers receive pay soon, but stressed that a broader resolution depends on the US Congress.”As soon as Co…
Washington, March 25 (IANS) US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said that Department of Homeland Security employees working “30 days without pay” showed their dedication, vowing to stand with them “365 days” as a funding impasse continues.Mullin made the remarks after being sworn in at the Oval Office by Attorney General Pam Bondi, taking charge of the department at a time of political deadlock over funding in Congress.“I got the privilege of meeting so many of the employee…
Washington, March 24 (IANS) The US Senate has confirmed Senator Markwayne Mullin’s nomination for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, replacing embattled Kristi Noem, amid the department’s continued shutdown.The upper chamber voted 54-45 to approve 48-year-old Mullin, who has served in the Senate since 2023, following a decade in the House representing the state of Oklahoma. One Republican senator voted against the nomination, and two Democrats supported it.Mullin’s nomination, anno…
Washington, March 24 (IANS) US President Donald Trump urged Republicans to link voter identification and proof-of-citizenship requirements to a key Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill, escalating a political standoff with Democrats over airport disruptions and border security.Speaking at a roundtable in Memphis, Trump said lawmakers should not approve any deal unless it includes what he called the “SAVE America Act”. “Don’t make any deal on anything unless you include vote…
Washington, March 23 (IANS) The US Senate has advanced Senator Markwayne Mullin’s nomination for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, just over two weeks after President Donald Trump announced that he would replace current DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.The upper chamber advanced the nomination in a 54 to 37 vote on Saturday (local time). A final confirmation vote is likely to take place in the coming days.Mullin, 48, has served in the Senate since 2023 after a decade in the House represe…