DETROIT (Diya TV) – Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar of Michigan’s 13th Congressional District denounced the growth of Hinduphobia and racism in America after being subjected to xenophobic comments when he openly expressed support for the H-1B visa program-a crucial subject of national debate on immigration.
“Racism in America is alive and well and something we should each stand together to fight it. Just read the replies to any recent post including H-1B, deplorable rhetoric targeting Indian-Americans,” said Thanedar, sharing hateful remarks over the weekend when people are allegedly asking for his return ticket back to India.
Thanedar, a Democrat, points out that part of the animosity is simply because he believes in and advocated for expansion and more legal immigration through the H-1B visa program to keep America’s competitive edge, and he supported the program outright last Thursday for U.S. companies to import foreign workers, particularly those from high-tech, technology sectors into the country to fill these vacancies.
“As a member of Congress, I’ve pledged to work across the aisle to reform our immigration system,” Thanedar said. “Unfortunately, the H-1B visa discourse has been hijacked by racism and xenophobia. Attracting talented immigrants benefits everyone, and we must streamline the system.”
Thanedar, who is originally from Kerala, India, emphasized the personal perspective from having a vested interest in the H-1B visa issue. “As an immigrant myself, the H-1B issue is close to my heart,” he said. “By increasing H-1B visas and reforming the green card process, America will maintain its edge in innovation and discovery. This kind of immigration reform creates economic growth and more American jobs.”
He also indicated a willingness to collaborate with incoming President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk on immigration reform if they are committed to fixing the system.
Thanedar, for his advocacy of the H-1B program, is under attack by anti-immigration groups, but he is not an isolated figure. Last week, far right activists attacked Trump’s appointment of Indian American entrepreneur Shriram Krishnan as his senior policy advisor on artificial intelligence. Former Congressman Matt Gaetz and a few other prominent Republican figures oppose Krishnan’s ideas on removing green card caps and streamlining the process of entry for highly skilled foreign workers.
Another Trump appointee, Vivek Ramaswamy, defended Krishnan and the H-1B visa program, only to receive the same racist backlash. Trying to soothe the tension, Trump later voiced his support for both Musk and Ramaswamy as well, hoping to prevent further infighting among his supporters on the eve of his inauguration.
Despite the controversy, Thanedar remains firm in his stance, referring to a resolution he introduced earlier this year that condemned Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. He remains committed to fighting intolerance and ensuring America remains a welcoming place for immigrants.
