Recent NRI Q&A: Can NRIs write IAS? and other questions

Here are my recent responses to questions about  NRIs on Quora. Do keep the questions coming. I will try and respond on this blog or Quora  

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Question: Can NRIs write IAS?

Check out eligibility listed for Civil Services Examination - Wikipedia “For the Indian Administrative Service, the Indian Foreign Service and the Indian Police Service, a candidate must be a citizen of India.”

An Non Resident Indian (NRI) who is an Indian citizen - holding Indian passport - can appear for the exam if otherwise qualified

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Question: How are baby showers in India different from baby showers in the U.S.?

In the U.S., baby showers aren't always women-only. As a guy, I have been invited to several babyshowers, including one for my (then) pregnant boss years ago!

These events have been social gatherings with some potluck and some gift-giving [even when invitation emails said “no gifts please”]. And then there is the American commercialization at work: Online gift-registries are heavily promoted by Amazon, Target Babies"R"Us et al

(Image: google search)

Neelima Paravastu has posted a great response on the Hindu customs followed. Indians following other religions - Muslims, Sikhs, Christians etc - also have similar religious ceremonies. A couple of additional points to note on Indian-babyshowers in the US:

• Baby-shower is generally a religious ceremony.
• Close family-and-friends - generally married women - are invited to bless the mother-to-be and the unborn baby.
• The ceremony is grander for the first-born (especially if the parents realize It’s going to be a boy! - don’t ask me why)
• Gift giving is not prevalent in India. However, Indian Americans and NRIs have taken to gift registries like ducks to water. Gifts and gift-cards are appreciated and welcome. :-)
• Potluck or lunch/dinner may follow the ceremony

As a photographer for an Indian-American baby shower, what do you do? Just observe and take good pictures of the “ceremony” guided by your host. It is not rude to ask questions (when in doubt)

Enjoy the vent and make sure you enjoy the good food and post some pictures here!

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Question: Is there any threat to the jobs of the Indians living in the US by Donald Trump becoming the POTUS? 

“Indians living in the US” is a broad term, so let us look at the distinct groups of Indians working* in America:

• Indians on temporary work visas (H1, dependents -H4): Media is speculating that there will be a change to H1 Visas (What Will Happen to H-1B Skilled-Worker Visas Under Donald Trump?). In the near future, prospective H1 applicants will encounter more scrutiny
• Indians on L1 (company transfer and dependents): Change to immigration laws may impact intra-company transfers; but such a change is not likely in short term.
• Indians on Green Card (permanent residents): Even if there is a dramatic immigration overhaul, it’s unlikely to be done retrospectively. Therefore, there is little likelihood of impact to those already living on green in America
• Indians working in the US illegally: Like folks from other countries, there are some Indians who have overstayed their visas and are living and working in America illegally/without work permits. Any action on undocumented workers in America is bound to impact this group too.

*I have not included Naturalized Indian-Americans or students (F1 visa holders) or those on temporary business visas B1 etc since the question was about “jobs of the Indians living in the US”