U.S. ESTA Travel Pass News

In recognition of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, the Washington Family Counselling Centre, led by Director Joy Park, is offering a special webinar series throughout May titled “Mental Health Webinars: What is Counselling?” The initiative aims to improve mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and help participants better understand the role of counselling in personal and relational well-being.

The free and low-cost seminars will take place every Tuesday in May (the 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th) from 7:00 to 8:00 PM via online platforms. Each session will address different aspects of counselling, with a special focus on cultural sensitivity and accessibility for the Asian Pacific Islander community.

The schedule is as follows:

May 6: “A Journey into the World of Eastern and Western Counselling” – explores the integration and differences between cultural approaches to mental health.

May 13: “Getting Familiar with Counselling” – an introductory session explaining what counselling is and what to expect from it.

May 20: “Our Couple’s Health Checkup” – a special session limited to five couples, using the Prepare/Enrich assessment tool.

May 27: “Catching Up on Our Couple’s Health Checkup” – a follow-up session continuing the relationship-focused assessment and discussion.

The webinars will be led by Dr. Cheon Shin Taylor, director of the counselling centre and a professor of counselling at Liberty University, along with Catherine Eaton, executive director of the Maryland Counselling Association. Dr. Taylor also serves on the advisory board of the American Counsellor Association and previously sat on the Maryland Counselling Bureau Committee during Governor Hogan’s administration.

Dr. Taylor emphasized the need for outreach, particularly in communities where stigma and language barriers persist: “Many people ask, ‘What is counselling?’ Although awareness of counselling is increasing, the wall of counselling is still high. The long-standing negative perception of mental illness, along with language and cultural barriers, continues to hinder access to proper treatment.” She expressed hope that the webinar series would foster better understanding and reduce prejudice.

The first two sessions are free to attend, while the couple-focused classes on May 20 and 27 require a $35 fee per couple, which covers the Prepare/Enrich relationship assessment tool. Developed in 1977, the Prepare/Enrich scale is widely used globally, including in Korea and the United States.

The Trump administration has introduced new guidelines that significantly expand the authority of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to revoke the legal status of international students in the United States. This controversial policy shift was revealed in a court document submitted to the Arizona District Court on the 30th of last month, in relation to ongoing lawsuits over student visa revocations.

According to the document, ICE officers now have the power to terminate a student’s legal status in SEVIS (the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) if deemed necessary. It also clarifies that the State Department’s cancellation of a student visa can now automatically trigger the loss of legal status — a substantial change that makes visa revocation grounds for immediate immigration consequences.

NBC News reported that internal guidance on the policy has already been circulated among SEVIS officers, though it remains uncertain whether the guidance is finalized or enforceable yet.

Immigration attorneys and advocates have raised strong concerns about the implications of this expanded authority. Charles Cook, who represents 133 international students in a lawsuit against the policy, warned, “Any student arrested for any reason will be subject to deportation.” Since Trump took office, more than 4,700 international students have had their immigration status revoked — a trend that has prompted numerous legal challenges across the country.

Though the administration recently announced it would restore the immigration status of some students, legal experts caution that the overall environment remains unstable. Ellora Mukherjee, director of Columbia University’s Immigrant Rights Clinic, warned, “If ICE is given broad authority to deprive international students of their immigration status, it will likely take more rapid and extensive deportation actions.” She added that many students are now uncertain about whether they will be able to complete their degrees in the U.S.

Further complicating the issue, around 350 international students — primarily from India — have filed a class action lawsuit, calling the policy illegal and demanding that it be repealed. This lawsuit, reported by the Times of India, adds to growing international criticism of the administration’s stance on student immigration.

New York State has begun accepting applications for the 2025 Low-Income Cooling Assistance Program, aimed at helping vulnerable residents stay cool and safe during the summer. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on April 15 that the program, offered through the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), will once again provide essential cooling devices such as air conditioners and fans to qualifying low-income households.

Eligibility requirements for this year’s cooling assistance remain the same as those for regular HEAP benefits. A family of four must have a monthly income of $6,390 or less, or an annual income of less than $76,680. Additionally, to qualify, the household must include at least one individual who is particularly sensitive to heat. This could be someone with a medical condition aggravated by high temperatures, a child aged six or younger, or a senior citizen aged 60 or older.

Under the program, households can receive up to $800 for the purchase and installation of window or portable air conditioners or fans. For wall-mounted sleeve units, assistance can go up to $1,000. However, each household is only eligible to receive one cooling device. The allocated funds may also be used to cover administrative costs associated with the installation and delivery of the cooling units.

The application period for the program began on April 15 and will run through the end of August. However, because funding is limited, the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and may close earlier if funds are exhausted.

Residents of New York City can submit their applications online through the city’s official website at access.nyc.gov. Those living outside of the city are encouraged to apply at their local county social services office.

State officials are urging eligible households to apply as soon as possible to ensure access to this crucial assistance before the summer heat intensifies.

As tensions escalate between the Trump administration and Harvard University, the U.S. Department of Education has formally requested that Harvard submit detailed records of money received from foreign countries. The Wall Street Journal reported on April 18 that the department found Harvard’s existing reports on foreign funding—spanning from 2014 to 2019—to be “incomplete and inaccurate,” and has now demanded records going back a full decade.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated, “This request is the first step to prevent Harvard from being controlled by or following the direction of foreign entities.” Under federal law, universities in the United States must report semi-annually any foreign donations, grants, or contracts exceeding $250,000.

Harvard responded in a public statement, asserting that it has complied with these legal requirements: “In accordance with the law, Harvard University has been submitting reports containing information on donations and contracts from foreign sources exceeding $250,000.” The university added that these include funding for business education programs, academic collaborations, and scholarly publications.

This development follows President Donald Trump’s growing criticism of Harvard for its refusal to align with his administration’s policies. On April 14, Harvard declined to implement changes requested by the White House, which included measures aimed at addressing anti-Semitism on campus. In response, the administration quickly announced plans to freeze more than $2 billion in federal grants to the university.

The Trump administration has since escalated its stance, threatening to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and withdraw the certifications that enable it to host international students. These moves mark a significant intensification in the administration’s campaign to pressure elite academic institutions that it accuses of political opposition and lack of transparency in foreign engagements.

Former Suwon University professor Lee Won-young made headlines after completing a 250-mile march from New York City to Washington, D.C., to protest Japan’s release of nuclear wastewater. On April 8th, standing in front of the White House, Lee read the World Citizen Declaration, calling on global leaders and organizations to take urgent action.

“When we do not say evil even when we see it, humanity is in crisis. We must fix it now,” Lee declared, emphasizing the moral responsibility to speak out against environmental threats. The declaration accused the Japanese government of knowingly endangering humanity and the Earth’s ecosystem, referencing previous protests and legal actions in states like New York and Massachusetts.

“The Japanese government, which intentionally puts humanity and the Earth’s ecosystem at risk, must immediately stop dumping nuclear wastewater and apologize to all life on Earth,” the declaration stated. It also called out the U.S. government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for condoning the actions, urging them to withdraw support and propose real safety measures. Furthermore, the statement criticized the United Nations and international community for their failure to intervene.

Reflecting on his journey, Lee shared that he was encouraged by everyday people along the way. “Many anonymous people I met while walking gave me a thumbs up and cheered me on,” he said. “We must realize that we have a responsibility to protect the dignity of all life on Earth and set the right milestones.”

The day’s protest rallies were held in multiple locations across the capital, including Union Station, the Capitol, and the White House. The events were attended by the New York marching team and members of the Korean community living in Washington, D.C., who gathered in solidarity to condemn Japan’s actions and demand global accountability.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has filed a lawsuit against its Korean media rights partner JTBC Discovery and its parent company, JoongAng Ilbo, in a U.S. federal court, alleging unpaid broadcasting rights fees and sponsorship obligations. The complaint was submitted to the Southern District of New York Federal Court on March 26 and outlines significant financial disputes affecting LPGA tournament operations.

According to the LPGA, JTBC Discovery failed to pay the agreed-upon broadcasting rights fees for 2024 and 2025 as per their contract. This shortfall has caused operational difficulties for the tour, including the cancellation of key events. The LPGA is now seeking compensation, including the unpaid amounts, interest, damages, and legal fees, from JoongAng Ilbo, which it claims provided a binding payment guarantee on behalf of JTBC Discovery.

The LPGA entered into a media rights and tournament sponsorship agreement with JTBC Discovery, effective January 1, 2021. Under the agreement, the LPGA was to receive guaranteed funding and a set number of tournaments, while JTBC had the right to recoup part of its investment through sublicensing and commercial partnerships. As a result, tournaments like the Hugel-JTBC LA Open and JTBC Founders Cup were launched, while others such as the Furhills Se-Ri Pak Championship did not carry JTBC branding in the title.

Crucially, the LPGA claims that JoongAng Ilbo signed a “continuous, unconditional, and irrevocable” payment guarantee in October 2021. Despite this, JTBC Discovery has allegedly defaulted on payments three times since the start of 2024. One of the most immediate consequences was the cancellation of the Furhills Se-Ri Pak Championship, which was scheduled to be held at Palos Verdes Golf Course from March 20.

Although the LPGA did not disclose the specific amount it is seeking in damages, Golf Digest Korea reports that JTBC has held an annual contract with the LPGA worth approximately $9 million since 2010, covering media rights and tournament sponsorships.

The issue has drawn widespread attention from U.S.-based golf media, including Golf Channel and Golf Week. In an internal memo obtained by Golf Week, LPGA interim commissioner Liz Moore confirmed that legal action had been initiated to enforce the payment guarantee agreement, stating, “This will enable us to collect the unpaid amounts.”

The LPGA’s lawsuit also follows a pattern of legal disputes involving JTBC. The Professional Golf Association (PGA) filed a similar suit in 2021 in Florida, seeking $700,000 in unpaid fees for the PGA Championship. The LPGA itself had previously filed a lawsuit against JTBC in 2020 over unpaid fees but withdrew it in December of that year after a negotiated settlement.

As the LPGA seeks to enforce its financial agreements and maintain the stability of its tournament schedule, the outcome of this case could have broader implications for future international media partnerships in professional golf.

The Upperbridge area in Northern Virginia has been named the fastest-growing suburban area in the United States, according to a recent report by financial data firm GoBankingRates. Located just 20 miles outside Washington, D.C., Upperbridge has experienced an explosive 887% population increase from 2018 to 2023 — the highest growth rate among all U.S. suburbs.

The remarkable growth in Upperbridge far outpaces that of the second-place suburb, Fulshear, Texas, which posted a population increase of 236% during the same period. The report highlights Upperbridge as a rising hotspot for families and professionals seeking proximity to the nation’s capital without the high cost and density of city living.

Upperbridge currently has a population of 43,443, with a median household income of $103,700. The average home price in the area is $506,276, and the total annual cost of living is estimated at $62,081. To live comfortably in Upperbridge, a household would need an annual income of $124,161, according to GoBankingRates.

Also featured in the ranking is the Elkridge area of Maryland, which landed at 44th place. With a population of 26,183, Elkridge is recognized for its steady growth, accessibility to Baltimore and D.C., and appealing suburban character.

The report, which identifies the top 50 fastest-growing suburban areas across the country, uses metrics such as population growth, median income, housing costs, and cost of living to rank suburbs that are gaining attention as desirable places to live. As remote and hybrid work continue to reshape residential trends, suburbs like Upperbridge and Elkridge are attracting newcomers with a blend of affordability, space, and access to urban amenities.

With the federal REAL ID deadline approaching, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are encouraging residents to apply now to avoid last-minute delays. At a recent event held at Washington Dulles International Airport, officials emphasized the importance of preparing ahead of the May 7, 2025, deadline.

REAL ID is a federally compliant version of a driver’s license or identification card that will be required for certain activities, including passing through TSA airport security, entering federal buildings, and accessing military bases. After May 7, 2025, individuals 18 and older will need either a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, to perform these activities.

DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey stated, “The Virginia DMV is ready to assist you, and I encourage you to start your REAL ID application online.”

To manage the expected increase in applications, the DMV is expanding its operating hours and hosting appointment-only events at select customer service centres, including those in Tysons Corner, Hampton, and Virginia Beach. Additionally, extended Saturday hours have been implemented. There are currently 76 DMV customer service centres throughout Virginia, and appointment availability will vary by location during April and May.

To apply for a REAL ID in Virginia, residents are encouraged to start the application process online at www.dmv.virginia.gov. However, even if the application begins online, applicants must complete the process in person at a DMV office. A $10 fee is required to upgrade an existing driver’s license to a REAL ID.

Applicants must bring the following documentation:

• • One form of identity (such as a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate),
  • Two proofs of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement),
  • Proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form),
  • And, if applicable, legal name change documents (such as a marriage certificate).

The DMV strongly advises residents to check their documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process and avoid unnecessary delays.

Maryland residents can begin their REAL ID application at www.mva.maryland.gov and, like in Virginia, must complete the process in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office.

Once the REAL ID requirement goes into effect on May 7, 2025, standard state-issued driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted at TSA airport checkpoints for domestic flights unless accompanied by another valid form of identification. With the deadline just weeks away, officials urge residents not to wait and to schedule appointments as soon as possible.

The push to implement the REAL ID mandate is part of a federal effort to enhance security and standardize ID verification across the country. For travellers and citizens needing access to secure federal locations, compliance will soon be mandatory.

The New York State Legislature is moving to limit police stops and searches of vehicles on the road, with a bill (S3662) introduced by New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Segal in February. The bill aims to restrict police from conducting arbitrary stops and searches and would require immigrant drivers to sign a consent form in their native language before their vehicles can be searched. It also includes a provision that evidence obtained through searches without consent cannot be used in court.

If the bill becomes law, police will be prohibited from stopping and searching vehicles for minor infractions such as “broken headlights or taillights,” “heavy tint on windows,” “expired vehicle registration and inspection,” and “smell of marijuana.” The law would also ban the use of drug-sniffing dogs for vehicle searches.

The bill has faced strong opposition from some law enforcement officials. Nassau County District Attorney Ann T. Donnelly called the bill “ridiculous” on the 4th, arguing that limiting routine traffic stops could prevent police from arresting suspects involved in more serious crimes. She highlighted the 1993 arrest of serial killer Joel Rifkin, which was made possible by a traffic stop on a pickup truck without a rear license plate, as an example of the importance of police stops. Donnelly stressed that police should retain their authority to conduct stops and searches as they currently do.

Supporters of the bill, including several civic groups, argue that it is a necessary measure to promote racial equality and prevent unnecessary police contact, particularly in Nassau County. Despite making up less than 30% of the county’s total population, Black and Hispanic individuals account for a disproportionate share of arrests, stops, and searches. According to an analysis by these groups, 61% of arrests, 50% of stops, 60% of “field interrogations,” and 69% of “pat-downs” in Nassau County involve Black and Hispanic individuals, suggesting racial bias in law enforcement practices.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is facing confusion among seniors and low-income residents due to online service outages and erroneous messages. The SSA confirmed that it is investigating the impact of a temporary outage on its My Social Security portal site, which occurred on the 1st. This outage has left many Social Security beneficiaries unable to access important services online.

Additionally, many low-income Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Central Valley experienced issues, with reports indicating they were unable to receive their benefits. However, the SSA later clarified that the message informing these beneficiaries was a mistake, and the issue did not affect their actual benefits.

As of 2023, approximately 7.4 million Americans rely on SSI, and for many of these individuals, timely access to benefits is critical. In April, Social Security payments are scheduled to be paid on the 9th, 16th, and 23rd, depending on the beneficiary’s date of birth. The SSA’s communication errors and online service disruptions have caused unnecessary anxiety among those who depend on these vital payments.