Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning “Hinduphobia” as the row over the H1-B visa system, which grants highly skilled foreign workers the ability to work in the United States, grew amid the immigration debate.
He also voiced concerns against racism, saying racism in America was still alive and well and people must stand up to it together.
Taking to X, he wrote, “Just read the replies to any recent post that includes “H-1B” to see the deplorable rhetoric targeting Indian Americans. That’s why I introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning all Hinduphobia.”
What is H-1B visa And What Is The Row?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
The tech industry has long called for more H-1B visas to attract highly skilled workers to the US. President-elect Donald Trump’s first administration restricted the programme in 2020, arguing that it allows businesses to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers.
Several of Trump’s supporters and immigration hardliners have been increasingly pushing for scrapping the H-1B visa programme amid debate over immigration.
The debate sparked when Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer, criticised Trump’s selection of Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favours the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the US.
Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. The debate intensified when Ramaswamy criticised American culture for promoting mediocrity instead of focusing on academic excellence and success on the basis of merit.
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