- As the U.S. heads into a high-stakes political climate, the exchange underscores the growing tension between nationalist rhetoric and the multicultural reality of American society
- Thanedar’s public rebuttal adds yet another layer to the complex and evolving conversation around identity, belonging, and the American Dream
A political dispute in the United States intensified this week after Indian-origin Congressman Shri Thanedar sharply criticised Vice President JD Vance’s controversial remarks on immigration. Vance, a leading figure in the MAGA movement, recently argued that mass migration amounts to the “theft of the American Dream,” triggering strong reactions across both political and immigrant communities.
In response, Thanedar posted a family photo of Vance’s wife Usha’s relatives celebrating Thanksgiving. The picture showed about twenty people of colour—including Usha Vance and the vice president—gathering as a family. Thanedar captioned the post: “By your own logic, your wife’s entire family is ‘stealing the American dream.’” The remark quickly went viral, escalating debate within Vance’s conservative base.
Vance has frequently attacked U.S. immigration policies, asserting that high levels of migration distort wages, strain cultural cohesion, and undermine American workers. He has argued repeatedly that immigrants should share a common language and culture, and he has criticised studies showing economic benefits of migration as being funded by groups with vested interests. Recently, he insisted that English should be considered the single unifying American language.
The controversy also touches on Vance’s personal life. His wife, Usha, comes from a Hindu-Indian family—a background that some segments of the hard-right movement view with unease. In a recent speech, Vance said he hoped she might convert to Christianity, only to later clarify that she has no intention of doing so.
Thanedar and other lawmakers argue that Vance’s rhetoric fuels division and ignores America’s long history of immigrant contribution. Critics also point out that such statements risk deepening distrust against communities who already face discrimination. The Thanksgiving photo resurfaced these contradictions, highlighting the diversity within Vance’s own family.
The broader debate also intersects with ongoing immigration reforms and economic policy under the current administration. While Vance has defended Donald Trump’s past changes to visa systems like H-1B, opponents argue that such policies punish skilled workers who strengthen American industries.
