Indian-Origin CEO Faces Online Harassment Amid US Visa Debate
WASHINGTON – An Indian-origin tech CEO has been targeted with online abuse, including calls to relocate to China, after publicly criticizing tightening restrictions on work visas in the United States. Nitish Kannan’s comments sparked a heated debate about US immigration policies and their impact on skilled workers, particularly those from India.
The controversy began when Kannan responded to a discussion about the H-1B visa program, a popular route for skilled foreign workers to gain employment in the US. Recent tightening of H-1B visa regulations has led some to explore alternative pathways, such as the O-1 visa, designed for individuals with extraordinary ability.
“While the US is fighting to keep everybody out, China is building the most advanced AI in the world,” Kannan wrote, prompting a user to suggest he “move to China.”
The exchange highlights growing anxieties within the tech community about US immigration policies. Hany Girgis, a US ed-tech CEO, observed that changes to visa programs often result in a “musical chairs” effect, with workers shifting between categories as opportunities narrow. Girgis noted that the market adapts more quickly than Congress to these changes.
The O-1 visa offers an alternative with no annual cap and a high approval rate, eliminating some of the uncertainty associated with the H-1B lottery system. However, it is reserved for those demonstrating extraordinary ability in their field, a higher threshold than the H-1B.
Kannan’s remarks also drew criticism from anti-India commentators. Andrew Branca questioned why Indian talent wasn’t developing advanced AI within India itself.
The debate comes as the US government has implemented measures to discourage companies from relying on H-1B visas, including a $100,000 fee for petitions. These policies are intended to prioritize American workers, but critics argue they stifle innovation and harm the US economy.
According to data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), tens of millions of dollars in taxes have been paid by H-1B visa holders and their families. One individual, referencing family members who utilized the H-1B visa, stated that 15 of his cousins collectively paid “tens of millions of dollars in taxes” to the US government.
The incident underscores the complex challenges surrounding immigration and the ongoing debate over attracting and retaining skilled workers in the United States.