Republican Representative Brandon Gill, who has openly expressed hostility toward immigrants including Indians despite being married to Indian-origin Danielle D'Souza, has reacted to a report linking the housing market decline in Texas to President Donald Trump's crackdown on H-1B visa abuse. Bloomberg recently highlighted the housing crisis, noting that Indian-Americans, who had driven the market during the pandemic by settling in the US, are now considering leaving the country.
According to the New York Post, CBRE Group, a real estate firm, confirmed that H-1B workers were the primary factor behind the housing wave in the US between 2018 and the present. However, as Indian buyers pull back from the market, prices are falling. In Collin County, home prices dropped nearly 9% year-over-year as of February, more than double the 4% decline recorded across the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, based on Redfin data.
Reacting to the New York Post report, Gill stated, "Now time to completely end H-1B visas."
Builders Tailored Homes for Indians with Puja Room, Spice Kitchen
Collin and Denton counties became the fastest-growing in the nation among those with a population of at least 1 million, according to census data. Collin County's Indian-born population averaged over 116,000 residents annually in the five years through 2024, up sharply from 70,000 in the preceding five-year period. In Frisco alone, a city of 235,000 residents, the share of Indian residents surged from about 6% in the early 2010s to nearly 20% by the mid-2020s, census figures show.
The demand from Indian-Americans was so strong that builders customized homes for this clientele. One North Texas builder, Zach Schneider of Tradition Homes, designed model homes with north-facing "puja" rooms for Hindu prayer and optional "spice kitchens" for buyers from India.
About the Author
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
