SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) —Silicon Valley leaders, including many involved with the incoming Trump administration, are coming to the defense of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American technology executive just appointed as an artificial intelligence (AI) advisor to President-elect Donald Trump.
Krishnan and Indian Americans writ large have been on the receiving end of vicious attacks online from those opposed to the H1B visa program. H1Bs are supported by Silicon Valley companies, but the program has flaws that have been exploited to benefit companies, while also leaving hundreds of thousands of Indian immigrants and others stuck in immigration limbo for decades.
Krishnan’s appointment was announced with the intention of ensuring “continued American leadership in AI,” working closely with David Sacks, another high-profile Silicon Valley tech figure named as the White House AI & Crypto Czar. The official statement from Trump highlighted Krishnan’s role in “helping shape and coordinate AI policy across government, including working with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.” His appointment has been lauded by tech leaders for bringing substantial tech expertise into the government.
But Krishnan’s past advocacy for removing country caps on green cards and expanding the H1-B visa program have critics arguing that such policies will undermine the “America First” principles Trump has championed, particularly when it comes to choosing foreign workers over American STEM graduates.
Sacks, Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen, among others have found themselves in the crosshairs of this controversy. Musk countered by addressing what he calls the “fixed pie fallacy,” suggesting that immigration, particularly of skilled workers like those Krishnan supports, does not take away from but adds to America’s economic potential. Musk’s comments on X emphasized the “infinite potential for job and company creation,” a differing view on how immigration impacts the national economy.
Sacks clarified that Krishnan’s position on green card reform is not about removing all caps but specifically about ending country caps, which disproportionately affect applicants from countries like India. Sacks argues the incoming administration is about making the immigration system more merit-based, a stance that some on the right still support, despite the controversy.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer, known for her inflammatory rhetoric on social media, criticized Krishnan’s appointment, arguing it goes against Trump’s campaign promises on immigration. On X, where there’s a financial incentive to give controversial opinions to spur engagement, Loomer expressed that a flood of Indian H1B workers will undermine American workers, saying “our country was built by white Europeans, actually. Not third world invaders from India.”
Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna pushed back, describing Krishnan’s appointment as a reflection of “American exceptionalism,” adding that Krishnan’s rise to a senior policy role will not threaten American jobs. “We’re seeing a person of Indian origin, who has worked hard and contributed to the tech industry, being recognized for his abilities. That’s what makes America unique,” said Khanna on X.
Krishnan has yet to comment on the firestorm, preferring to wish everyone “Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah” on X instead.
