Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Federal hostility could delay offshore wind projects, derailing state climate goals National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020FORMER Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou admitted Tottenham fans had given him some rather 'direct feedback' as tensions seriously boiled over. The Spurs manager was jeered and heckled by a section of the club's fans after they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth - and he went over to confront them. 4 Ange Postecoglou confronted raging Spurs fans at full time Credit: AMAZON PRIME 4 He was seen engaging with irate punters 4 A steward stepped in 4 The fans weren't happy after a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth Credit: Getty It's been a poor run of form for Tottenham who have slipped to 10th in the table. Postecoglou 's side have won just one of their last six games in all competitions - that victory being the remarkable 4-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad. But that aside, it's been a run of results to forget. And the loss to Bournemouth proved all too much for some Tottenham fans. READ MORE CELTIC STORIES BUM NOTE Celtic hero O'Riley scores bizarre O.G. as ex-Rangers star celebrates wildly FREE BETS Deposit & Bet £10 to Get £60 in free bets for Scottish football at William Hill Videos circulating on social media show Postecoglou heading over to the packed away end at the Vitality Stadium after full time. Several boos can be heard while some rather X-rated insults are also hurled at the title-winning ex- Celtic boss. A number of shouts of "f*** off" can be heard while others are even more brutal in their nature. In one fan's video, a punter can be heard referring to him as "Poste-no-clue." Most read in Football BUM NOTE Celtic hero O'Riley scores bizarre O.G. as ex-Rangers star celebrates wildly HOWE DARE YOU Eddie Howe hits back at accusation that he BOTTLED taking Celtic job CLUB TOGETHER Rangers chief hints they could join multi-club group with Man Utd & City nod RIOT ACT EFL cult hero 'smashed up dressing room' after dream Celtic transfer collapsed TV cameras then captured the moment Postecoglou appeared to take issue with one fuming punter in particular. He could be seen approaching the stand and appearing to try and engage in conversation with a supporter. Ange Postecoglou's F-word rant caught on live TV as he tears into shellshocked Tottenham flops during drinks break A steward motions for Postecoglou to stop moving forward, a few more words are uttered. He then appears to engage with another fan before turning and walking away. Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game, Postecoglou explained: "No, I wasn't having a word. I mean they're pretty disappointed, rightly so, and look I got some pretty direct feedback as to how we're going." He would further expand on the heated scenes once he got into his post-match press conference and admitted he 'didn't like' what had been said to him. Postecoglou said: "I didn’t like what was being said because I’m a human being but you’ve for to cop it. I’ve been around long enough to know when things don’t go well you’ve got to understand the frustration and disappointment. "And they’re rightly disappointed because we let a game of football get away from us. But that’s OK. I’m OK with all that." The games don't get any easier with a huge London derby clash with in-form Chelsea on Sunday. After that, it's a game with almighty amount of intrigue. Read more on the Scottish Sun DECEMBER MISERY Scots face blizzards and travel chaos as weather map reveals 75mph storm WORLD WIDE WEB My dad played for Rangers and now I plan to follow in his footsteps at Ibrox Next Thursday, Postecoglou makes a dramatic return to Glasgow with Spurs taking on Rangers in a huge Europa League showdown at Ibrox. It'll be his first time back facing the Gers after dominating Scottish football as Celtic boss during his two-year stint in charge. Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page50jili slot register 。

Beyond Bank Australia leverages Cognizant's expertise to modernize IT infrastructure and enhance operational resilience. SYDNEY and TEANECK, N.J. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) has announced a collaboration with Beyond Bank Australia , one of Australia's largest customer-owned banks, to help revolutionize the digital banking experience. The collaboration aims to enhance operational resilience, streamline processes and improve customer experience through the implementation of innovative technology solutions. Beyond Bank's digital transformation focuses on several key workstreams, including cloud and API architecture modernization and an enterprise-wide Windows 11 migration. These integrations will be designed to be flexible, scalable and secure technology ecosystems that enable the introduction of new products with enhanced speed to market, further preparing Beyond Bank for future growth. Cognizant will also help develop a comprehensive data and information management strategy for Beyond Bank. Leveraging AI, this strategy aims to optimize structured data from core banking systems and organize unstructured data from knowledge management sources for organization-wide insights, enabling more tailored services for its customers. Leveraging Cognizant's deep banking expertise, Beyond Bank will introduce new products and services designed to better serve a younger demographic, while simultaneously enhancing the overall service experience for all customers. "Our partnership with Cognizant is pivotal in advancing our digital transformation," said Stevie-Ann Dovico , Chief Information Officer, Beyond Bank Australia. "Their expertise allows us to modernize our IT infrastructure and enhance security, aligning with our values as a customer-owned bank. Cognizant's comprehensive approach makes them the ideal partner to help us better serve our customers." "Beyond Bank is a lighthouse client for us in the customer-owned banking sector," said Rob Marchiori , Australia Country Manager at Cognizant. "By enhancing their digital capabilities, we will help them provide better services to their customers and support paving the way for a resilient banking model that addresses current and future market demands." The customer-owned banking sector is navigating increased regulatory burdens, economic pressures, and the need for digital transformation. With increased cost-to-income ratios and net interest margins, banks need to modernize operations and enhance customer engagement through innovative technology. The collaboration between Beyond Bank and Cognizant highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in supporting innovation and maintaining service standards in the evolving financial sector. About Cognizant Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes, and transform experiences to stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we're improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant. About Beyond Bank Australia Beyond Bank is one of Australia's largest customer-owned banks with branches and offices in New South Wales , South Australia , Western Australia , ACT and Victoria . We partner with more than 6000 community organisations around the nation to create and return value for our customers and communities. Beyond Bank is a B Corp, a business that is certified as meeting high standards of social and environmental impact, ensuring their practices benefit people, communities and our planet. To learn more, visit beyondbank.com.au For more information, contact: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/1794711/Cognizant_Logo_V1.jpg?p=medium600

Church Fr. Romans Antony, senior priest of the Kollam Archdiocese, stated in Karunagappally, Kollam district, that if the Munambam victims are evicted, people from the entire coastal belt would mobilize to support them. He was speaking at a Jan Jagaran Conclave conducted by the Hindu Aikyavedi organisation. Fr. Antony criticized the state for accusing the protestors of communalizing the issue. He remarked that depriving a section of people of their rights for vote-bank politics is not a sign of a healthy democracy. He also criticized Congress MP Hibi Eden, who is representing Ernakulam, for hiding the truth for the sake of political gain, stating that Eden would never enter the area because he cannot face the people. Fr. Antony further condemned the Kerala Communist government, calling it a “government with no spine” and accusing it of lacking the audacity to address critical issues. He highlighted that six months have passed since the killer landslides in Wayanad, yet the losses have neither been audited nor fully assessed. Church Fr. Antony said that a government without willpower cannot ensure justice for its people. He welcomed the Waqf Amendment Bill and praised the support extended by Hindu Aikyavedi and other like-minded organizations, emphasizing that the movement transcends caste and religious boundaries. Meanwhile, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that the Munambam Waqf issue is a constitutional matter. He said he has been supporting the people of Munambam since the very first day of their agitation and will continue to stand by them until a solution is found. He was addressing the Waqf victims at the Velankanni Church on December 22, where they are carrying out a relay hunger strike. He added that Munambam is facing an organized encroachment and criticized both political fronts—the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF)—for their double standards on the matter. The former minister emphasized that the Waqf Amendment Bill will be implemented in its entirety. He pointed out that leaders of both fronts had issued pro-victim statements during the by-elections in Wayanad, Palakkad, and Chelakkara but have since gone back on their words after the elections concluded. The Munambam victims submitted a memorandum to the former Union Minister. The Munambam Waqf case centers around a land dispute in the coastal area of Munambam, Ernakulam district, where nearly 600 families face the threat of displacement. Over 400 of these families are Christian, with the remainder being Hindu. The residents have been on a relay hunger strike for over four weeks. Prominent bishops and BJP MP Suresh Gopi also visited the protest site, expressing solidarity and pledging to fight for justice on behalf of the affected community. The visits and public speeches by various Christian dioceses, cardinals, bishops, religious leaders, and church-linked social, political, and cultural organizations underscore the importance the Church places on the issue.