An Indian-American Congressman who has shown support for the H-1B visa program faced considerable backlash from MAGA supporters over the weekend. Shri Thanedar, a Democrat from Michigan, expressed his views on increasing H-1B visas and streamlining the immigration process but was met with hostile comments urging him to "go back to India" (Times of India).

Thanedar, who emphasized the necessity of attracting legal, skilled immigrants to maintain America’s competitive edge, stated, "Attracting legal, talented immigrants to the United States benefits everyone." However, his remarks were overshadowed by vicious trolling, reflecting a broader pattern of xenophobia targeting not just immigrants, but even US-born individuals of Indian descent.

The hostility has surged, particularly within extreme MAGA circles, as critics question the legitimacy of the H-1B program and accuse US companies of conspiring to import low-wage foreign labor, especially from India. They overlook the statistical reality that 73% of H-1B visas historically go to Indians, while only 13% go to Chinese applicants, failing to consider factors such as India's population and proficiency in English.

This backlash also stems from comments made by Vivek Ramaswamy, a pro-Trump figure, who argued that a cultural lack of emphasis on strategy and academic excellence could hinder the US’s competitiveness against China. Ramaswamy stated, "Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long," ultimately reigniting anger among MAGA followers who saw it as disparaging to their demographic.

Amid these tensions, some Indian-American Republicans are reevaluating their support for the MAGA movement as they find themselves judged harshly by its hardliners, including less-than-favorable remarks from conservative commentators. Ann Coulter, a seasoned conservative voice, publicly belittled Ramaswamy, making it evident that immigrant backgrounds could be a liability within certain MAGA circles.

Despite safeguards designed to ensure that companies do not hire foreign workers when qualified American candidates are available, the narrative persists among MAGA supporters that the H-1B program leads to wage suppression and job displacement. Such views ignore the growing debates on the benefits of legal immigration and the role immigrants play in enriching American industries and academia.

The escalating rhetoric and actions against the H-1B visa framework underscore the pervasive issues of racism and xenophobia within the discourse surrounding immigration policy, with significant implications not just for Indian-Americans but for the broader conversation on immigration in the United States.