Donald Trump has expressed support for a proposal to rename US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to National Immigration and Customs Enforcement (NICE). In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a screenshot from X featuring the suggestion: “I want Trump to change ICE to NICE (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so the media has to say NICE agents all day everyday.” Responding to the idea, Trump wrote, "GREAT IDEA!!! DO IT. President DJT".&nbsp;The concept was initially promoted by conservative influencer Alyssa Marie, who posted last month: “I want Trump to change ICE to NICE (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so the media has to say NICE agents all day everyday.” A White House spokesperson declined further comment, directing inquiries to Trump’s Truth Social post.The administration’s rapid response account on X also amplified the message by sharing a screenshot of the post.The proposal emerges as the Trump administration continues prioritizing border security and enforcement against illegal immigration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-correspondents-dinner-shooting-accused-charged-with-attempt-to-assassinate-trump-1777313374007">White House correspondents' dinner shooting: Accused charged with attempt to assassinate Trump</a>

Meanwhile, some Democrats remain critical of ICE. For example, Pramila Jayapal said earlier this month on X: “ICE is not keeping us safe. It's terrorizing our communities, detaining US citizens, and letting people die in custody. Abolish ICE.” The idea has also received backing from conservative voices. Commentator Nick Sortor wrote: “100% agree! Make it happen, @SecMullinDHS!” urging Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to support the change.&nbsp;Changing the name of a federal agency typically requires congressional approval through legislation that amends its statutory authority. Despite this, the administration has previously explored renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War without direct congressional authorization. The naming proposal comes amid ongoing political tensions over immigration policy and funding.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-and-us-continue-their-quest-for-peace-despite-major-disagreements-1777306482016/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-and-us-continue-their-quest-for-peace-despite-major-disagreements-1777306482016/embed</a>&nbsp;ICE remains at the center of a congressional funding standoff, with Democrats pushing for reforms following the deaths of two US citizens involving federal authorities earlier this year. Recently, the Senate unanimously passed a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, excluding ICE and Border Patrol. Some House Republicans have opposed the measure, instead advocating for a broader reconciliation bill that would secure funding for the entire department over multiple years.&nbsp;On Thursday, the Senate approved a budget reconciliation framework to fund ICE and Border Patrol for three and a half years, a move seen as a potential step toward resolving the impasse.

Donald Trump supports renaming ICE to NICE, fueling political debate as immigration policy, DHS funding, and border security tensions rise

Donald Trump has expressed support for a proposal to rename US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to National Immigration and Customs Enforcement (NICE). In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a screenshot from X featuring the suggestion: “I want Trump to change ICE to NICE (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so the media has to say NICE agents all day everyday.” Responding to the idea, Trump wrote, "GREAT IDEA!!! DO IT. President DJT". The concept was initially promoted by conservative influencer Alyssa Marie, who posted last month: “I want Trump to change ICE to NICE (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so the media has to say NICE agents all day everyday.” A White House spokesperson declined further comment, directing inquiries to Trump’s Truth Social post. The administration’s rapid response account on X also amplified the message by sharing a screenshot of the post. The proposal emerges as the Trump administration continues prioritizing border security and enforcement against illegal immigration. Also Read: White House correspondents' dinner shooting: Accused charged with attempt to assassinate Trump

Donald Trump backs renaming ICE to NICE, sparking debate as immigration policy and DHS funding battles continue in Congress

'GREAT IDEA!!! DO IT': Trump floats renaming ICE as NICE as funding battle intensifies

The United States has announced a steep hike in the fee for various categories of non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B, L-1 and EB-5. These visas, which are most popular among Indians, will affect thousands who apply every year.

As per a PTI news agency report, the hike will come into force starting April 1st. Here's all you need to know about the increased fee.

<h2>How much of a hike is there?</h2>

Starting April 1st, the application fee for an H-1B visa or form I-129 will be increased from the current USD 460 to USD 780 — a 69.5 per cent hike. Furthermore, the H-1B registration will be increased from USD 10 to USD 215, starting next year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-h-1b-visa-renewal-online-drive-begins-heres-how-to-apply-685254">US H-1B visa renewal drive begins online. Here's how to apply</a>

The fee for L-1 visas has been hiked from the current USD 460 to USD 1,385 — a 201 per cent hike. This non-immigrant visa category is designed for intra-company transferees and allows multinational companies to transfer certain employees from their foreign offices to work in the US temporarily.&nbsp;

Additionally, investor visas or EB-5 visas will soon cost USD 11,160, instead of the current USD 3,675 — a 203 per cent increase.

<h2>Why have the visa fees been hiked?</h2>

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argues that the final rule changes will bring several benefits, including reduced administrative burdens and fee processing errors for the government. It is expected to enhance efficiency in the adjudicative process and enable a better assessment of the cost of providing services, allowing for better-aligned fees in future regulations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-mq-9b-remotely-piloted-aircraft-to-india-686080">US approves sale of 31 MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft to India</a>

In its federal notification, the DHS said fee adjustments, as well as changes to the forms and fee structures used by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will result in net costs, benefits, and transfer payments.

The estimated annualised net costs to the public over the 10 years (FY 2024 through FY 2033) are projected to be USD 157,005,952, discounted at three and seven per cent. The total net costs over a decade are estimated at USD 1,339,292,617 discounted at three per cent and USD 1,102,744,106 discounted at seven per cent.

<h2>What benefits can H-1B and other visa applicants expect?</h2>

Applicants and petitioners seeking immigration benefits will also reportedly experience benefits, including reduced fee processing errors, increased efficiency in the adjudicative process, simplification of the fee payment process for some forms, elimination of the USD 30 returned check fee, and, for many applicants, limited fee increases and additional fee exemptions to reduce financial burdens. The federal notification also notes minor reductions in visa application fees in several categories.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has announced a steep hike in the fee for various categories of non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B, L-1 and EB-5. These visas, which are most popular among Indians, will affect thousands who apply every year.

The United States has announced a steep hike in the fee for various categories of non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B, L-1 and EB-5. These visas, which are most popular among Indians, will affect thousands who apply every year. As per a PTI news agency report, the hike will come into force starting April 1st. Here's all you need to know about the increased fee. How much of a hike is there? Starting April 1st, the application fee for an H-1B visa or form I-129 will be increased from the current USD 460 to USD 780 — a 69.5 per cent hike. Furthermore, the H-1B registration will be increased from USD 10 to USD 215, starting next year. Also read | US H-1B visa renewal drive begins online. Here's how to apply The fee for L-1 visas has been hiked from the current USD 460 to USD 1,385 — a 201 per cent hike. This non-immigrant visa category is designed for intra-company transferees and allows multinational companies to transfer certain employees from their foreign offices to work in the US temporarily. Additionally, investor visas or EB-5 visas will soon cost USD 11,160, instead of the current USD 3,675 — a 203 per cent increase. Why have the visa fees been hiked? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argues that the final rule changes will bring several benefits, including reduced administrative burdens and fee processing errors for the government. It is expected to enhance efficiency in the adjudicative process and enable a better assessment of the cost of providing services, allowing for better-aligned fees in future regulations. Also read | US approves sale of 31 MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft to India In its federal notification, the DHS said fee adjustments, as well as changes to the forms and fee structures used by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will result in net costs, benefits, and transfer payments. The estimated annualised net costs to the public over the 10 years (FY 2024 through FY 2033) are projected to be USD 157,005,952, discounted at three and seven per cent. The total net costs over a decade are estimated at USD 1,339,292,617 discounted at three per cent and USD 1,102,744,106 discounted at seven per cent. What benefits can H-1B and other visa applicants expect? Applicants and petitioners seeking immigration benefits will also reportedly experience benefits, including reduced fee processing errors, increased efficiency in the adjudicative process, simplification of the fee payment process for some forms, elimination of the USD 30 returned check fee, and, for many applicants, limited fee increases and additional fee exemptions to reduce financial burdens. The federal notification also notes minor reductions in visa application fees in several categories. (With inputs from agencies)

US announces massive hike in H-1B and other visa fees. Here's all you need to know

Immigration officials in the US have discovered a massive fraud behind the gigantic rise in H-1B visa applications for the financial year 2024 starting October. According to media reports, some companies are colluding to submit multiple applications for the same person to increase their chances of getting the temporary work visa.&nbsp;

It must be noted that the US issues H-1B visas on the basis of a lottery system, and persons filing multiple applications get the chances increased of them getting the coveted visa.&nbsp;

The visa fraud was unearthed after immigration officials noted a massive surge in the H-1B visa applications for FY 2024. Companies filed a total of 780,884 applications for H-1B visas this fiscal year, 296,957 more than the FY 2023. On the other hand, just 301,447 applications were filed in 2022 and 274,237 in 2021.

<h2>US officials promise a crackdown</h2>

US immigration officials have now promised to bolster the registration process to reduce the chances of one person filing multiple applications. In a statement released Friday, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said, “The H-1B programme is an essential part of our nation's immigration system and our economy, and the USCIS is committed to implementing the law and helping meet the ever-changing needs of the US labour market."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;H-1B visa fraud: Tech companies accused of gaming H-1B lottery system |&nbsp;

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"We are working on an upcoming H-1B modernisation rule that will propose, among other improvements, bolstering the H-1B registration process to reduce the possibility of misuse and fraud in the H-1B registration system," it added.

<h2>USCIS may even revoke approvals based on false registration</h2>

The federal agency has warned that it will peruse the applications closely and will reject them if any information provided by the applicant is found incorrect. Also, it may deny or even revoke an approval based on a registration that contained false information and attestation.

As per the statement released by USCIS, “USCIS may also refer the individual or entity who submitted a false attestation to appropriate federal law enforcement agencies for investigation and further action, as appropriate."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2023-might-be-the-worst-year-to-apply-for-h-1b-visa-551005">2023 might be the worst year to apply for H-1B visa</a>

According to NDTV, a group of American tech workers, who have protested in the past against the H-1B visa regime, is now calling on the administration to reinstate the Donald Trump-era reforms.&nbsp;

“The Trump administration had proposed a fix to the H-1B lottery by prioritising selection based on highest wages. You sued the administration so now you have to deal with the fraud that you are complaining about," the group said.

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&nbsp;

Immigration officials in the US have discovered a massive fraud behind the gigantic rise in H-1B visa applications for the financial year 2024 starting October. According to media reports, some companies are colluding to submit multiple applications for the same person to increase their chances of getting the temporary work visa.

Immigration officials in the US have discovered a massive fraud behind the gigantic rise in H-1B visa applications for the financial year 2024 starting October. According to media reports, some companies are colluding to submit multiple applications for the same person to increase their chances of getting the temporary work visa. It must be noted that the US issues H-1B visas on the basis of a lottery system, and persons filing multiple applications get the chances increased of them getting the coveted visa. The visa fraud was unearthed after immigration officials noted a massive surge in the H-1B visa applications for FY 2024. Companies filed a total of 780,884 applications for H-1B visas this fiscal year, 296,957 more than the FY 2023. On the other hand, just 301,447 applications were filed in 2022 and 274,237 in 2021. US officials promise a crackdown US immigration officials have now promised to bolster the registration process to reduce the chances of one person filing multiple applications. In a statement released Friday, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said, “The H-1B programme is an essential part of our nation's immigration system and our economy, and the USCIS is committed to implementing the law and helping meet the ever-changing needs of the US labour market." Watch: H-1B visa fraud: Tech companies accused of gaming H-1B lottery system | × "We are working on an upcoming H-1B modernisation rule that will propose, among other improvements, bolstering the H-1B registration process to reduce the possibility of misuse and fraud in the H-1B registration system," it added. USCIS may even revoke approvals based on false registration The federal agency has warned that it will peruse the applications closely and will reject them if any information provided by the applicant is found incorrect. Also, it may deny or even revoke an approval based on a registration that contained false information and attestation. As per the statement released by USCIS, “USCIS may also refer the individual or entity who submitted a false attestation to appropriate federal law enforcement agencies for investigation and further action, as appropriate." Also Read | 2023 might be the worst year to apply for H-1B visa According to NDTV, a group of American tech workers, who have protested in the past against the H-1B visa regime, is now calling on the administration to reinstate the Donald Trump-era reforms. “The Trump administration had proposed a fix to the H-1B lottery by prioritising selection based on highest wages. You sued the administration so now you have to deal with the fraud that you are complaining about," the group said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US officials unearth massive fraud in H-1B lottery system after huge surge in visa applications

Police arrested multiple people in New York on Monday as demonstrators protested the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and called for its closure.

US Immigrant Raids: Over 40 protesters arrested in New York

US President Donald Trump has ordered border agents to begin a mass roundup as early as Sunday of some 2,000 migrant families that have received deportation orders, US media reported Friday.

The news follows the president's announcement on Twitter Monday that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials would begin deporting "millions of illegal aliens," although he gave little detail.

The tweet sped up operations that were already underway, according to unnamed sources cited by the Washington Post, NBC and CNN.

The family roundup likely begins with pre-dawn raids in up to 10 cities including Houston, Chicago, New York and Miami.

Kevin McAleenan, the acting secretary of Homeland Security, is hesitant about parts of the operation, CNN reported.

He has been urging ICE to mainly focus on some 150 families that had attorneys but have dropped out of the legal process and vanished, the Post reported.

The US is facing a surge in migrants from several Central American countries plagued by gang violence and poverty.

The numbers have hampered US authorities' abilities to temporarily shelter and process arrivals.

Trump has called it "an invasion," and has made the fight against illegal migration a central plank of his administration.

An estimated 10.5 million unauthorised immigrants are living in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center.

Migrant apprehensions have soared to 144,000, including 57,000 minors, in May -- the highest number in 13 years.

Congress has authorised ICE to detain 40,000 migrants, and many others are sent to other overcrowded facilities across the nation.

In 2017 the Trump administration imposed a "zero tolerance" regime on the US border with Mexico, which resulted in hundreds of families being split up.

US President Donald Trump has ordered border agents to begin a mass roundup as early as Sunday of some 2,000 migrant families that have received deportation orders, US media reported Friday.

US President Donald Trump has ordered border agents to begin a mass roundup as early as Sunday of some 2,000 migrant families that have received deportation orders, US media reported Friday. The news follows the president's announcement on Twitter Monday that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials would begin deporting "millions of illegal aliens," although he gave little detail. The tweet sped up operations that were already underway, according to unnamed sources cited by the Washington Post, NBC and CNN. The family roundup likely begins with pre-dawn raids in up to 10 cities including Houston, Chicago, New York and Miami. Kevin McAleenan, the acting secretary of Homeland Security, is hesitant about parts of the operation, CNN reported. He has been urging ICE to mainly focus on some 150 families that had attorneys but have dropped out of the legal process and vanished, the Post reported. The US is facing a surge in migrants from several Central American countries plagued by gang violence and poverty. The numbers have hampered US authorities' abilities to temporarily shelter and process arrivals. Trump has called it "an invasion," and has made the fight against illegal migration a central plank of his administration. An estimated 10.5 million unauthorised immigrants are living in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. Migrant apprehensions have soared to 144,000, including 57,000 minors, in May -- the highest number in 13 years. Congress has authorised ICE to detain 40,000 migrants, and many others are sent to other overcrowded facilities across the nation. In 2017 the Trump administration imposed a "zero tolerance" regime on the US border with Mexico, which resulted in hundreds of families being split up.

Trump orders immigration sweep targeting 2,000 families: Report

Immigrants' rights protection groups and several Democratic lawmakers on Thursday urged Congress not to approve additional funding for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the government agency tasked with deporting people who enter the country unlawfully.

"An agency like ICE, which repeatedly and systematically violates human rights, does not deserve a dime," Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, of New York, said near the US Capitol.

She said President Donald Trump is demanding billions of dollars to "continue to militarize and weaponize a force that has zero accountability," and she promised not to approve a "single dollar" for ICE.

The newly-elected Democrat from New York's 14th District said that Trump, who claims to support legal immigration to the US, does not want any kind of immigration and has been cutting and/or eliminating legal immigration programs such as the visa lottery, family reunification, Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

The congresswoman from The Bronx and Queens was accompanied by several other newly-elected lawmakers, including Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley.

The four lawmakers wrote a letter to their colleagues serving on the conference committee that is negotiating Trump's request for border wall funding urging them to curtail funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including its components, ICE and Customs and Border Protection.

Omar, who represents Minnesota's District 5 and is the first Somali-origin lawmaker in Congress, argued that the new Democrat-controlled House sees beyond politics and respects people.

She said that families who come to the US border do so seeking a "safer" future for themselves.

The groups United We Dream, CASA Maryland, Indivisible, Move On and the Center for Popular Democracy organized the event under the slogan "Defund the deportation force."

The leaders of these associations on Thursday turned over to the congressional representatives more than 200,000 signatures on a petition calling for funding cutbacks.

Criticism of ICE has increased over the past year after the Trump administration last April launched its controversial "zero tolerance" strategy against immigration across the border with Mexico, and in accord with that plan US authorities separated more than 3,000 children, including babies, from their parents who had brought them across the border illegally.

Immigrants' rights protection groups and several Democratic lawmakers on Thursday urged Congress not to approve additional funding for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the government agency tasked with deporting people who enter the country unlawfully.

Immigrants' rights protection groups and several Democratic lawmakers on Thursday urged Congress not to approve additional funding for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the government agency tasked with deporting people who enter the country unlawfully. "An agency like ICE, which repeatedly and systematically violates human rights, does not deserve a dime," Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, of New York, said near the US Capitol. She said President Donald Trump is demanding billions of dollars to "continue to militarize and weaponize a force that has zero accountability," and she promised not to approve a "single dollar" for ICE. The newly-elected Democrat from New York's 14th District said that Trump, who claims to support legal immigration to the US, does not want any kind of immigration and has been cutting and/or eliminating legal immigration programs such as the visa lottery, family reunification, Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The congresswoman from The Bronx and Queens was accompanied by several other newly-elected lawmakers, including Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley. The four lawmakers wrote a letter to their colleagues serving on the conference committee that is negotiating Trump's request for border wall funding urging them to curtail funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including its components, ICE and Customs and Border Protection. Omar, who represents Minnesota's District 5 and is the first Somali-origin lawmaker in Congress, argued that the new Democrat-controlled House sees beyond politics and respects people. She said that families who come to the US border do so seeking a "safer" future for themselves. The groups United We Dream, CASA Maryland, Indivisible, Move On and the Center for Popular Democracy organized the event under the slogan "Defund the deportation force." The leaders of these associations on Thursday turned over to the congressional representatives more than 200,000 signatures on a petition calling for funding cutbacks. Criticism of ICE has increased over the past year after the Trump administration last April launched its controversial "zero tolerance" strategy against immigration across the border with Mexico, and in accord with that plan US authorities separated more than 3,000 children, including babies, from their parents who had brought them across the border illegally.

US immigration agency violates human rights, doesn't deserve a dime: Democrat lawmakers