Racist Social Media Post Ignites Debate on H-1B Visa Holders
A racist social media post aimed at Telugu-speaking Indians has led to significant online backlash and revived discussions surrounding H-1B visa holders in the United States. The uproar began when a screenshot from a Texas Facebook community was disseminated on X.
In this post, an Indian-origin resident sought suggestions for luxury “new construction” homes in the affluent areas of Frisco or Prosper, indicating a budget of $1 million to $2 million.
The screenshot was subsequently shared by an X user known as “The Repatriator”.
This user made a derogatory comment about the Telugu-speaking community, stating, “Be a Telugu, live in a shack with 20 relatives in teluguland — win an H-1B lottery, come to America on fake docs and suddenly be able to afford a brand new 1-2 million dollar home. That makes sense,” the user commented.
Wow. “Be a Telugu, live in a shack with 20 relatives in teluguland- win an H-1B lottery, come to America on fake docs and suddenly be able to afford a brand new 1-2 million dollar home. That makes sense,” was posted on Twitter by The Repatriator.
The remark prompted criticism from Nitish Kannan, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and CEO of Circle Plus Pay, a payment application. Kannan asserted that it is normal for Indian professionals to purchase property in the USA and dismissed the suggestion that immigrants thrive through deceit.
“Because everyone on the H-1B visa earns six figures annually while working in tech roles, there are no barriers preventing individuals from securing jobs in technology or pursuing education through hard work,” he explained.
Kannan also recounted his family’s experience in the United States, stating, “Fifteen of my cousins arrived on H-1B visas, all of whom are earning six or seven figures, own homes, and have gained citizenship. Every member of my family is a multimillionaire, possesses multiple properties, and has contributed tens of millions in taxes.”
He addressed the frequent claim that immigrants take jobs from others, emphasising that his relatives have made substantial contributions to the US economy. “Another cousin co-founded a conference company, generating $15 million yearly, paying millions in taxes, and employing hundreds,” he remarked.
When another user on X suggested that “most if not all of them probably purchased fake degrees from India and scammed their way here,” Kannan countered, “All of them attended college in America and earned master’s and PhD degrees.”
