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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know IMMIGRATION 10 CITY VIEWS July 25, 2025 Rep. Jayapal Introduces Bill To Prevent ICE From Detaining U.S. Citizens U .S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Im- migration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, has introduced legislation that seeks to prohibit federal immigration authorities from arresting, detaining, or deporting U.S. citizens. The proposed legis- lation—titled the Stop ICE from Kidnapping U.S. Citizens Act—aims to address a series of cases in which citizens have allegedly been unlawfully detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jayapal called the move long overdue, citing what she describes as a pattern of misconduct by ICE, particular- ly targeting Latino and immigrant communities. “ICE is acting like a rogue force, kidnapping and disappearing people off the streets with no due process,” Jayapal said in a statement. “When ICE is conducting immigration enforcement, arresting and detaining U.S. citizens is il- legal — and deporting U.S. citizens is illegal, full stop.” The bill seeks to codify existing legal protections and hold immigration agents accountable for violating them. It would also establish penalties for agents found to have unlawfully detained or placed citizens into im- migration proceedings. By a StaffWriter HOTO:X @RepJayapal Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Rep. Sharice Davids Of Kansas Endorses Dr. Tina Shah’s Run For US Congress From New Jersey R ep. Sharice Davids (KS-03) an- nounced her endorsement of Dr. Tina Shah, July 17, 2025, in the Indian American physician’s cam- paign from New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, in the race for the November 3, 2026 general elections. This is the first endorsement from a Member of Congress in the race to flip the 7th District, a press release from Shah’s campaign (http://www.drtinashahforcon- gress.com/ ) said. The seat is currently held by two-term Congressman, Republican Thomas Kean Jr. and at least 8 Democrats, including Dr. Shah have declared their candidacies, according to information on the Ballotpe- dia website. The date for the Republican and Democratic primaries are yet to be announced. “I’m proud to endorse Dr. Tina Shah for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District,” Congresswoman Davids is quoted saying in the press release. “Tina has spent her career showing up for people —whether it’s at the bedside as a physician or advo- cating for smarter healthcare policy. She knows how to take on tough challenges, bring people together, and get things done. I know she’ll be a strong voice in Congress for working families — just like she’s always been.” “I’m proud to have earned the support of Congresswoman Davids,” Shah said. “Congresswoman Davids has consis- tently stood up for her constituents and all Americans to address rising costs and increase healthcare access. I’ve dedi- cated my career to doing the same for my patients and my community, and I look forward to joining her in Congress to con- tinue the work.” Shah is an intensive care doctor, a triple board-certified physician, and has served under three presidential administrations, her campaign press release said. Among other positions, Dr. Shah was a Senior Advisor to US Surgeon General; She served as a Fellow and special advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs serving as the first National Director of Clinician Wellbeing. She has also served in the private sector. District 7 in New Jersey is among the most competitive districts according to news reports, and the Shah may face an uphill battle ousting the other Democrats running for the seat. By a StaffWriter Global Organization Of People Of Indian Origin Hosts Webinar On Immigration T he Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) inaugurated its new international we- binar series on July 12, 2025, with a session titled “Indian Diaspora and Immigration Upheavals – Path Forward.” Immigration attorneys, policymakers, and commu- nity leaders participated. Webinar Series Chair Sunil Vuppala, who is also GOPIO’s Associate Secretary wel- comed everyone including the Chief Guest Lord Bhikhu Parekh, a member of the House of Lords in London, a press release from GOPIO said. Moderated Dr. Maya Chadda, Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University and a permanent mem- ber of the Council on Foreign Relations, the webinar tackled pressing issues faced by Indian students and immigrants—ranging from visa backlogs and restrictive reforms to evolving international student work policies in the USA, Canada and UK. “Our goal is to create a global platform that not only informs but equips the Indian diaspora to navigate complex immigration landscapes with clarity and purpose,” Thomas Abraham, founder and chairman of GOPIO said. GOPIO President Prakash Shah called the series “vital” for the community in North America and other countries, adding, “we want to galvanize the Indian Di- aspora for a greater contribution to reshape the future of global migration.” Lord Parekh reflected on the Indian diaspora’s resilience historically; David Nachman, Esq., a New Jersey-based immigration attorney covered what the Big Beautiful Bill meant for immigration which needed to be considered by the present and future diaspora members planning to immigrate to US not only from India but also from Australia, UK, Europe to rejoin their extended family. Chicago-based Parikh Law Group Immigration at- torney Stephanie Dy, addressed changes in high- skilled visas, explained stricter H-1B and L-1 vetting protocols. Other speakers included London-based solicitor and advocate Shaima Ammal; Dr. Sudhir Shah, Mumbai- based immigration specialist; Gaganjot Kaur, Toronto- based immigration expert, discussed ripple effects of U.S. border security measures on Canadian student policy. A tribute was paid to well-known immigration attor- ney Michael Phulwani. Some initiatives were adopted such as encouraging HR teams to implement visa tracking systems and sponsor risk policies; requesting immigration lawyers to provide timely guidance on new regulations and higher denial trends; counselling international students to comply with work hour limits and timely OPT applications. The next webinar on AI and Technology is set for Au- gust 9, 2025, the press release said. Several other events are also planned. By a StaffWriter GOPIO Immigration Issues Webinar Organizers, Chief Guest, Moderator and Panellists: First Row: Prakash Shah, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Gaganjot Mundra; Second Row: Prof. Maya Chadda, Dr. Sudhir Shah, David Nachman; Thord Row: Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Sid Jain, Shaima Ammal; Fourth Row: Stephanie Dy, Raj Punjabi and Kumu Gupta. PHOTO:CourtesyGOPIO PHOTO:@drtinashahforcongress.com Dr. Tina Shah