The NRI Herald Weekly, Mar 15, 2026

This week, we cover a range of stories from Indian-American politics and community life to visa trends and cultural flashpoints. From a Virginia Senate resolution honoring a journalist to a viral dance video sparking deportation fears, here's what's shaping the diaspora conversation.

National & US-India

Political developments in the US and India intersect with diaspora interests. Key races, appointments, and policy shifts are in focus.

National & US-India

Illinois Democrats duke it out for Durbin’s seat

Ravi V. Bellamkonda named president of Ohio State University

Will Another Black Woman Join the Senate? This Messy Primary Is Set to Decide.

Outside groups spending big on Illinois Senate race

Raja Krishnamoorthi Leads Tight Illinois Senate Primary Amid Fundraising Controversies and Hindu Nationalist Ties

Vaingankar gets backing from Asian American advocacy groups

Indian American Impact Fund endorses Jay Vaingankar for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th District

The New South Asian Power Brokers in the United States

Is India’s suspension of discrimination rules another blow for DEI?

Welfare of Indian diaspora in West Asia utmost priority: Officials

Immigration & Visa

US student visas plunge: Only 12,776 F-1 approvals for Indians in 2025

US: Student visa issuances fell by -36% in summer 2025; OPT uncertainty among factors affecting international student demand

800,000 Indians studying abroad; outbound mobility to grow 4% annually: QS Global Student Flows Report

Dancing His Way Back Home: Indian Man Faces Potential Deportation After Viral Dance Video at WWII Memorial

Why did this Indian-American man face backlash for dancing at a WWII Memorial?

She Tried to Deport an Indian. Then the Internet Found Her.

Can OCI and NRI Get an Aadhaar Card? A Complete Guide

Community

Temples, Tilaks and Trolls: How Hinduphobia threatens the American dream for Indian-Americans

Virginia Senate Resolution Honors Indian American Journalist Vishnudatta Jayaraman for Excellence in Journalism

Harrow Holi clash: Overseas Friends of BJP UK seeks probe, stronger security for Hindu events

Indian American students create health care guide for new immigrants

Hockey Victoria’s newest team ‘Melbourne Cobras’ launched with Indian elite players to boost standards and diaspora connection

SXSW 2026: Indian American innovators and creatives join global lineup in Austin, Texas

Business & Tech

Shantanu Narayen, Adobe's Indian-American CEO, to step down after 18-year stint

Ann Mukherjee leads Chicago Booth global CEO program

Indian American student wins entrepreneurship and AI pitch competition

Culture & Entertainment

Best live action short Oscar winner sparks controversy

Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Vijay: ‘Hundreds of people would come on Thamizhan sets to watch him dance…’

Row over viral dance video at World War memorial takes twist as backlash shifts to accuser

I've lived in San Francisco and Austin, and I want to move back to California. Here's what Texas is missing.