New York: An Indian-origin politician sparked a massive controversy online after suggesting that the US should terminate the H-1B visa program and deport such visa holders. The remarks by Rohit Joy, a young Republican from Texas, came in response to another senior Republican who supported relief for H-1B visa holders. Indians, the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B program, were quick to remind Joy of his immigrant background.
Joy was countering the statement of Republican Congressman Rich McCormick, who was supporting the expansion of domestic visa renewals for H-1B and other low-risk visa holders.
"Last week, I joined a bipartisan push to expand domestic visa renewals for H-1B and other low-risk visa holders. It's time to modernize our visa system by reducing costs, boosting efficiency, and keeping America competitive," McCormick posted.
In response to McCormick, Joy wrote on X: "All H-1B visas should expire, the program should be ended, and visa holders should be sent back to their home countries. It has nothing to do with keeping America competitive. Our major national competitors don't bring in large numbers of foreign workers."
Joy's post drew significant backlash online, with many users opposing his stance.
One user commented, "Why do immigrants or progeny of immigrants want to pull up the ladder after they are comfortably ensconced in the countries of their choice?"
Another wrote, "I don't have an opinion yet on whether H1-B should be ended in the future or reworked. I'd be in favor of something to the effect of, if you're a current H1-B and have submitted net positive tax returns for five years, then we can open up the green card path to you and then shut down H1-B for the future (thinking out loud)."
A person even cautioned, "America would lose its dominance in tech to China if we ended H-1B."
Some pointed out that Joy's own family may have benefitted from the same visa program, with one remarking, "His dad wouldn't be in this country without H-1B."
Despite the criticism, Joy doubled down, posting, "I won't be going anywhere. I'm a US citizen."
Some users supported Joy's stance. One person commented, "Absolutely! These people overstay their welcome, and nobody seems to care!"
