US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the significance of Diwali at the State Department’s annual reception, quoting Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. He emphasized the importance of light pushing back against darkness and celebrated the diversity of South Asian culture in the United States.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the significance of Diwali at the State Department’s annual reception, quoting Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. He emphasized the importance of light pushing back against darkness and celebrated the diversity of South Asian culture in the United States.
Rep. Darrell Issa accuses the State Department of misleading Congress about funding for a non-profit organization that provides guidance to migrants on how to navigate the U.S. asylum process. He alleges that the department’s funding of HIAS, despite their claims to the contrary, effectively encourages migrants to circumvent Mexican asylum options and enter the U.S. illegally.
The U.S. State Department has officially launched its online passport renewal system nationwide, making it easier than ever for eligible Americans to renew their passports. This new service allows travelers to renew their passports entirely online, 24/7, without the need for printing or mailing documents.
The State Department has refuted a Wall Street Journal report alleging President Biden missed a meeting with German officials to get some rest. The WSJ reported that Biden skipped a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz after the G7 summit in June 2022, but the State Department maintains that the president never intended to attend the informal gathering.
The State Department is opening six new passport agencies to address the increasing demand for expedited passport services. These agencies, located in Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Orlando, Charlotte, San Antonio, and Cincinnati, will provide expedited passports within 14 days and foreign visas within 28 days. This expansion aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers with urgent needs.
The United States and India engage in regular consultations at the highest levels on democracy and human rights issues, according to a senior US State Department official. This statement comes following the release of the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which highlighted concerns about human rights issues in India, including the Manipur violence and extrajudicial killings. The US strongly encourages India to uphold its human rights obligations and commitments, and regularly meets with civil society representatives to gather perspectives that inform the Human Rights Report.
The US State Department’s 2023 human rights report highlights concerns over Hamas’s attacks and Israel’s subsequent military operation in Gaza, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of upholding international law and preventing further suffering. The report also acknowledges the Israeli government’s efforts to investigate alleged abuses, while noting the need for ongoing scrutiny. Despite concerns, the US continues to provide Israel with military assistance while urging it to take steps to protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers.
