WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — A public dispute between two members of Congress has drawn fresh attention to the debate over H-1B visas and immigration. Rep. Shri Thanedar accused Rep. Brandon Gill of making racist remarks about Indian Americans after Gill criticized the hiring of foreign workers. The exchange unfolded on social media and quickly gained widespread attention.

Thanedar, a Democrat from Michigan, criticized Gill in a July 3 post on X. He said people were calling Gill racist because he referred to Indian Americans as “7-Eleven workers.” Thanedar also criticized Gill’s marriage to an Indian American and claimed the Texas Republican was appealing to what he described as a “racist base.”

The online exchange began after Gill defended earlier comments about the H-1B visa program. In a post on X, Gill wrote, “Calling us racist doesn’t work anymore.” He argued that employers should hire American workers instead of bringing in what he called “7-Eleven workers” from India “or anywhere across the globe.”

The disagreement has added to the ongoing national debate over immigration policy and employment-based visas. Supporters of the H-1B program say it helps businesses fill skilled jobs. However, critics argue that companies should first hire qualified American workers.

Gill made his original remarks while discussing a viral video on The Benny Show, hosted by Benny Johnson. The video showed an employee inside a Texas 7-Eleven store. The worker said he came from Andhra Pradesh, India, and was working in the United States on an H-1B visa.

During the interview, Gill questioned why employers would use H-1B visas for convenience store jobs. He described the practice as “asinine” and “idiotic.” He also called for the complete elimination of the H-1B visa program.

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations. The program often supports jobs in technology, engineering, medicine, and other skilled fields. Even so, the program has remained a frequent subject of political debate for many years.

Gill represents Texas’ 26th Congressional District. He is married to Danielle D’Souza Gill, an author and conservative commentator. She is the daughter of Mumbai-born writer Dinesh D’Souza. Because of those family ties, several social media users questioned Gill’s criticism of Indian workers. They pointed to the contrast between his immigration views and his connection to an Indian-origin family.

Meanwhile, Thanedar represents Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. He was born in India and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Today, he is one of five Indian American members serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

His criticism focused on Gill’s choice of words rather than only on immigration policy. Thanedar argued that describing Indian Americans as “7-Eleven workers” promoted a harmful stereotype. He said the criticism of Gill reflected concerns about the language he used instead of an effort to silence political debate.

Gill, however, has continued to defend his position. His social media post suggested that accusations of racism would not change his views on immigration or the H-1B visa program. He maintained that employers should prioritize American workers.

The exchange sparked strong reactions across social media. Some users supported Gill’s call for stricter immigration policies and changes to the H-1B system. Others agreed with Thanedar and said Gill’s remarks unfairly targeted Indian Americans. Many users also discussed whether criticism of the visa program could remain separate from comments that some viewed as offensive.

The disagreement comes as immigration continues to shape political debate in Washington. Lawmakers from both parties remain divided over legal immigration, employment visas, and border policy. As a result, public disagreements over these issues often attract national attention.

As of publication, neither Gill’s congressional office nor Thanedar’s office had released any additional statements beyond their posts on X.