NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Nalin Haley, the son of former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, has sparked a fierce online debate after calling for a complete ban on the H-1B visa program. His remarks came after India raised concerns about long delays in U.S. visa appointments that have stranded thousands of Indian professionals.
Haley’s comments have drawn attention because of his family background and his sharp opposition to skilled worker visas. They also come at a time when the H-1B program faces growing scrutiny in the United States amid job market stress and political divisions over immigration.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs recently urged the United States to address severe delays in H-1B visa processing. Officials said many Indian nationals had traveled to India for mandatory visa stamping, only to find their appointments postponed by months or even years.
According to the ministry, some applicants who expected December 2025 appointments were later given dates as late as October 2026. These delays have left workers unable to return to their U.S. jobs. Many remain separated from their families and face uncertainty about their employment.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government had received multiple complaints from affected nationals. He said India had raised the issue with U.S. authorities in New Delhi and Washington. While acknowledging that visas fall under U.S. sovereignty, he stressed the hardship caused by the backlogs.
Nalin Haley responded to India’s statement on X with blunt language. He said people could not be “stranded in your own country” and accused the Indian government of caring only about remittance income. He argued that visa delays were positive but insufficient.
“Delaying visas is good but not good enough,” Haley wrote. “We need a complete H-1B visa ban.”
His remarks triggered a heated exchange with users online. When one user questioned why India would highlight the issue publicly, Haley replied by mocking claims that H-1B workers were highly skilled. He suggested that India should retain such workers if they were truly valuable. In another exchange, Haley dismissed criticism by writing, “Not American = opinion invalid.” The comment drew backlash for its tone and message.
Haley has repeatedly argued that the H-1B visa program hurts American workers, especially young graduates. In response to critics who cited labor shortages, he said data showed no such shortage in the tech sector.
He claimed that more than 80 percent of H-1B workers held entry-level or junior roles. He also alleged they were less skilled than American students based on test scores. These claims have been disputed by many economists and industry leaders, but they resonate with voters concerned about jobs.
In earlier interviews, Haley said many of his peers remained unemployed despite strong academic records. He said students graduate with heavy debt and struggle to find work. He framed his opposition to H-1B visas as a defense of American graduates.
Haley’s criticism fits into a broader anti-immigration stance. He has called for an end to what he describes as mass immigration. He has also supported a pause in legal immigration until the job market improves.
His views have drawn scrutiny because of his own family history. Haley’s grandfather immigrated to the United States from India in 1969. Haley has since said his loyalty lies solely with the United States and not with his ancestral roots.
The visa delays have already caused major disruption. H-1B holders cannot re-enter the U.S. without valid visa stamps. Many employers have warned workers to avoid international travel. Immigration experts say some professionals risk losing jobs if they cannot return on time. Expanded social media screening has added to processing times. In India, visa stamping now often takes at least six months. The uncertainty has deepened anxiety among workers and companies alike.
