Rep.Thanedar Faces Online Vitriol After Supporting H1-B Program
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Shri Thanedar, (D-MI), became the target of a wave of hateful rhetoric over the weekend. The backlash followed his remarks in support of the H-1B visa program and the need for increased legal immigration to help maintain America’s edge in innovation.
Thanedar, born in Karnataka, responded to the criticism by acknowledging that the H-1B visa debate has been “hijacked by MAGA racism and xenophobia.” He further emphasized the importance of reforming immigration laws, saying, “By increasing H-1B visas and streamlining the H-1B and green card process, America maintains our edge on innovation & discovery.”
In response to his advocacy, Thanedar faced a barrage of racist and xenophobic comments, including calls for him to “go back to India.” Some social media users were particularly vitriolic, with one post saying, “Can I buy you a ticket to Mumbai? One way, of course,” while another user suggested, “You need to be denaturalized and deported.”
The attacks led Thanedar to speak out forcefully against the racism and hatred that Indian Americans, particularly those involved in discussions about immigration, often face. “Racism in America is still alive and well, and we must stand up to it together. Just read the replies to any recent post that includes ‘H-1B’ to see the deplorable rhetoric targeting Indian Americans,” he remarked.
In light of the hate he received, Thanedar introduced a bipartisan resolution to condemn Hinduphobia, explaining, “That’s why I introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning all Hinduphobia.”
The H-1B visa program, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to temporarily work in the U.S., has long been a contentious issue. Critics, particularly from MAGA circles, claim the program undercuts American wages and replaces domestic workers with foreign labor, despite safeguards in place to prevent such misuse. Indians, who receive the majority of H-1B visas, have become a specific target in these debates.
Also Read: Rep. Thanedar Condemns Trump Proposal To End Birthright Citizenship
