Elon Musk Faces Backlash Over H-1B Visa Stance
The appointment of Indian Origin Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has triggered a meltdown within the MAGA movement. Laura Loomer, a prominent far-right commentator, unleashed a tirade filled with racial slurs against Indians, accusing them of undermining “America First” policies.
Her claims, riddled with bigotry, reflect a deep-seated hatred that targets skilled immigrants like Krishnan. Loomer went as far as to insult Indian cultural practices, revealing the xenophobic undercurrents within her faction.
Elon Musk, known for advocating skilled immigration, found himself at odds with this movement after expressing mild support for Krishnan’s policies. Musk’s defense, rooted in his belief in the importance of immigrant contributions to American innovation, drew sharp criticism from MAGA supporters. Ironically, Musk has been one of Trump’s prominent allies, amplifying MAGA’s voice and influencing its policies.
Deeply disturbing to see the appointment of Sriram Krishnan @sriramk as Senior Policy Advisor for AI at the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
It’s alarming to see the number of career leftists who are now being appointed to serve in Trump’s admin when they share views… https://t.co/pf0WiViy32 pic.twitter.com/nR0TkZpNK7
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 23, 2024
Despite his contributions, Musk was branded a traitor for supporting H-1B visa reforms aimed at reducing the backlog faced by Indian professionals. This backlash highlights the MAGA movement’s inability to reconcile its reliance on skilled talent with its nativist agenda.
How the MAGA Movement Betrays Its Indian Allies
The controversy surrounding Musk and Krishnan exposes a disturbing trend within the MAGA ecosystem. Indian-origin figures like Vivek Ramaswamy, Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and even Sriram Krishnan are often promoted as faces of the administration. However, these positions rarely come with decision-making power.
Our country was built by white Europeans, actually. Not third world invaders from India. @Cloudwatch199
You know, it was white Europeans who created the American Dream, and we didn’t create it so that it could be exploited by pro open border techies like you.
PS: why are… https://t.co/as4swH3PXz
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 24, 2024
Instead, they are placed in roles where they can be scapegoated for failures. For instance, if policies involving DOGE or artificial intelligence falter, figures like Ramaswamy are likely to bear the brunt of the blame, even when the actual decisions lie with leaders like Musk or Trump.
This tokenism reflects the transactional nature of MAGA’s relationship with Indian-origin professionals. They are celebrated for optics but vilified when their presence challenges the movement’s nativist rhetoric.
Indian Immigrants: Law-Abiding Yet Targeted
Indian immigrants, known for their law-abiding and peaceful nature, have become easy targets of xenophobia. Unlike other immigrant groups that may retaliate against hostility, Indians rarely fight back, making them vulnerable to attacks. Loomer’s grotesque comments exemplify how Indians are unfairly lumped into anti-immigrant narratives.
What’s even more troubling is that this hostility often stems from misplaced anger. Xenophobic factions lack the courage to confront groups posing actual integration challenges like the Islamists and instead target Indians, who contribute significantly to America’s economy and society.
America’s Loss: The Return of Indian Talent
This rising discrimination could have unintended consequences for America. As hostility grows, many talented Indians may choose to stay in their homeland, reversing decades of brain drain. India’s STEM fields, driven by returning talent, could see accelerated growth, while America faces a talent vacuum.
The US’s reliance on immigrant professionals to sustain industries like tech, healthcare, and artificial intelligence makes this scenario particularly damaging. Divided by woke ideologies on one side and xenophobic nationalism on the other, America risks losing its edge as a global innovation hub.
Misplaced Faith in the MAGA Movement
Many Indians mistakenly view Trump and his MAGA coalition as allies in a shared fight against global liberalism. This assumption is dangerously naive. Trump’s policies prioritize maintaining America’s global hegemony, which directly conflicts with India’s rise as a global power.
For instance, Trump’s immigration rhetoric emboldens xenophobic factions that lump Indian professionals with other immigrant groups. His administration has shown little interest in distinguishing between illegal immigrants and law-abiding, skilled professionals.
Similarly, on issues like climate change, MAGA policies disregard the interests of nations like India. While the global south demands fair contributions from the West, Trump’s coalition dismisses these arguments outright, prioritizing American interests over global equity. The Global South suffered devastation from Manufacturing Cheap products for the West. But now they want nothing to do with the fact that it was the West that promoted these devastating policies and carried out regime changes anywhere they didn’t want to serve American interests.
A Wake-Up Call for Indians
The backlash against Elon Musk and Sriram Krishnan highlights the deep contradictions within the MAGA movement. While it celebrates Indian-origin figures for optics, it vilifies them when they challenge its nativist agenda. This toxic environment not only targets Indians but also undermines America’s reliance on global talent.
Indians, both in America and abroad, must recalibrate their understanding of alliances with movements like MAGA. The idea of a shared fight against liberalism is an illusion. Trump’s coalition seeks to maintain dominance, not genuine partnerships.
As America continues to grapple with its divisions, India stands poised to benefit from the return of its brightest minds. For Indians, the choice is clear: focus on self-reliance and reject misplaced faith in alliances that do not serve their interests.