In a contentious turn of events, far-right influencer Laura Loomer launched a scathing attack on India and Indian immigrants in the United States, reigniting debates around the H-1B visa program following the appointment of Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence in the White House. Loomer’s inflammatory remarks have drawn widespread backlash from tech leaders, immigrant communities, and social commentators alike.

Loomer’s Controversial Remarks

The controversy began when Loomer criticized Krishnan’s nomination by former President Donald Trump, calling it a betrayal of the “America First” agenda. She labeled Indian immigrants as "third-world invaders," adding offensive comments about Indian cultural practices. “Our country was built by white Europeans, actually. Not third-world invaders from India,” she posted on social media.

Loomer further argued against the extension of H-1B visas, claiming it undermines American workers. “If India is such a high-skilled society, why does it look like this? Just admit you want cheap labor,” she ranted. Her statements drew condemnation for their overtly racist and xenophobic tone.

Sriram Krishnan Faces Backlash

Chennai-born Sriram Krishnan’s appointment as a senior advisor in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has triggered significant criticism from far-right circles. Krishnan, who supports removing country-specific caps on green cards, has been accused by Loomer and others of promoting policies detrimental to American workers.

One social media post questioning Krishnan’s role read, “Did any of y’all vote for this Indian to run America?” The comment sparked outrage, prompting a defense from Silicon Valley leaders like David Sacks and Ro Khanna.

Sacks, a close ally of Krishnan, responded, “Sriram has been a U.S. citizen for a decade. He’s not 'running America.' He’s advising on AI policy. These attacks are crude and not in the holiday spirit.”

Debate Over High-Skilled Immigration

The controversy around Krishnan’s appointment has reignited debates about the role of high-skilled immigration in the U.S. economy. Proponents argue that immigrants are crucial for innovation and economic growth, citing historical figures like Albert Einstein and Sergey Brin. Critics, led by figures like Loomer, claim that such policies prioritize foreign workers over Americans.

Loomer’s online feud escalated when an Indian-origin entrepreneur defended the H-1B program, stating, “Anyone opposing high-skilled immigration is fundamentally anti-American. Immigrants create jobs, fuel growth, and ensure America stays globally competitive.”

Tech Leaders Speak Out

Elon Musk, who supports immigration reforms, weighed in on the issue, dismissing Loomer’s claims. Musk argued that concerns over job displacement stem from a “fixed pie” fallacy, emphasizing that skilled immigrants help expand the economy rather than limit opportunities for others. Loomer, however, doubled down, accusing tech billionaires of exploiting immigration policies for cheap labor and blaming them for eroding American culture.

Historical Context and Rising Tensions

Loomer’s remarks come at a time when immigration remains a polarizing topic in the U.S. The H-1B program, often criticized by populists, is seen as a pathway for highly skilled professionals, particularly from India, to contribute to American innovation.

The controversy also underscores a broader clash between Silicon Valley’s globalist approach and the nationalist rhetoric of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. Loomer’s rhetoric, though divisive, highlights the persistent tension between inclusivity and exclusivity in America’s immigration policies.

Backlash and Broader Implications

Loomer’s comments have been widely condemned for their racist undertones. Critics have pointed out the hypocrisy in targeting immigrants while overlooking their significant contributions to the U.S. economy and society.

As debates continue, the backlash against Loomer reflects a growing rejection of exclusionary narratives. The conversation around Krishnan’s appointment and the H-1B program is likely to remain a flashpoint in discussions about America’s future as a global leader in technology and innovation.

The episode serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities in navigating a multicultural and economically interconnected world, with immigration at the center of the discourse.