Kirk was reacting to a Fox News anchor’s post on X that said the US may have to grant more visas to Indians if there was a trade deal with New Delhi. Photo: X screengrab | @charliekirk11
Charlie Kirk's anti-India visa stance resurfaces
The conservative activist, who was shot dead, had said last week that 'America does not need more visas for people from India,' sparking a heated debate
Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot dead at a college event in Utah on Wednesday (September 10), had just last week in a post on X said that “America does not need more visas for people from India”.
He also said in the same post that perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India.
“America does not need more visas for people from India. Perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India. Enough already. We’re full. Let’s finally put our own people first,” posted Kirk on X.
Kirk was reacting to a Fox News anchor’s post on X that said the US may have to grant more visas to Indians if there was a trade deal with New Delhi.
Heated debate on immigration
Kirk’s controversial statement targeting a community that has been one of the most important sources of talent for the US technology, healthcare, engineering, and innovation sectors has sparked a heated debate on immigration in the US.
His post, coming during a difficult period in India-US relations with the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods being imported to the US, has cast a shadow on the ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations.
Also Read: Charlie Kirk shot dead: 'Political assassination', says Utah Governor
Indian students vying for an academic and professional career in America have had to face several challenges in recent years with the curbs on H1B visas.
The implications
Tens of thousands of Indian students pursue advanced degrees in the US every year, especially in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and maths).
They contribute to the US economy by paying tuition, supporting the faculty, getting involved in research, and being a source of support for graduate programmes in the universities.
Also Read: Who was Charlie Kirk? Trump supporter and activist shot dead in Utah
If the kind of rhetoric promoted by Kirk and similar conservative activists result in changes in US policies on immigration, especially for Indians, it could result in serious shortage of skilled personnel for critical sectors in the US.
Talented young Indians may have to look at Australia, Canada, or countries in Europe that have immigration policies that make them feel welcome.