The incidents of backlash with Indian immigrants highlight growing challenges for the Indian community in the US amid a changing political and social climate
Indians living in the United States are facing growing hostility as anti-immigrant rhetoric spreads both online and in everyday life. Experts and advocacy groups warn that this trend is beginning to affect workplaces, social spaces and even cultural celebrations.
According to Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan, an analyst at the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue, Indians have increasingly become targets of an ethnocentric narrative around migrants. He cautions that the situation may worsen, describing the debate as turning into a “war for the soul of America”, where immigration has become a deeply divisive issue.
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This rising hostility is already having visible effects
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Advocacy groups say several US companies are becoming reluctant to support Indian cultural events, including Diwali celebrations, fearing backlash or controversy
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Such hesitation marks a shift from earlier years, when diversity-focused events were more openly encouraged
Tensions have also intensified due to proposed changes to the H-1B visa programme. Indian nationals account for around 71 per cent of H-1B visa holders, making them particularly vulnerable to criticism. They are often accused of taking jobs from American workers or accepting lower wages, claims that experts say oversimplify complex labour market realities. In February, the US Department of Homeland Security announced that it would prioritise visa applications from higher-paid workers, stating that the move aims to better protect American jobs.
Meanwhile, hate-monitoring organisations report a sharp rise in harassment. The Centre for the Study of Organized Hate has identified coordinated online campaigns targeting Indian American business owners who received government-backed loans. Data from Stop AAPI Hate and counterterrorism firm Moonshot shows that threats of violence against South Asians rose by 12 per cent over the past year, while online slurs increased by 69 per cent.
Prominent Indian-origin leaders have also faced online attacks. FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam has been targeted on social media with unfounded claims of favouring Indian workers. FedEx has strongly denied the accusations, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to merit and diversity.
