A controversial video featuring a speaker at a meeting of the influential ITServe Alliance, a union representing IT workers, has ignited a political firestorm. The undated clip, widely circulated online, shows the speaker using strong language against former President Donald Trump on immigration issues, even as the administration's stance on H-1B visas remains a contentious topic.
Content of the Viral Video
The unverified video, shared by MAGA supporters who accused an "Indian tech cartel" of bullying the former president, captures a moment of high emotion. The speaker is heard telling the audience, "Kick the butt of Donald Trump, kick his a**. Really," a statement met with loud applause from the gathering.
She further expressed surprise at Trump's anti-immigrant positions, noting that two of his three wives were immigrants. The speaker made a pointed joke, suggesting immigrants do the hard work others avoid, analogizing it to his wives marrying him because "no other American would want to be with him." Emphasizing the limits of presidential power, she added, "The fact is that the president is not god, the president is not making the laws in the country though he thinks he makes the laws."
Concluding her address, the speaker urged members to find strength in unity. "When you go back home, stop worrying at night... that means you have not become a member of ITServe; that means you don't believe in your own power and the power of unity as an organization," she stated.
Broader Context: The H-1B Visa Battle
This video surfaced amidst a prolonged and heated debate over the H-1B visa program, a critical channel for skilled foreign workers, especially from India. The Trump administration had taken a firm stance to reduce H-1B dependence, including proposing a significant $100,000 fee on H-1B petitions. Paradoxically, the former president also acknowledged the need to import global talent.
ITServe Alliance, the largest IT union in the US with over 2200 member companies, has been at the forefront of advocating for policy changes. The alliance recently endorsed Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi's HIRE Act, which seeks to double the current H-1B visa cap in the United States.
Official Stance from ITServe Leadership
Anju Vallabhaneni, National President of ITServe Alliance, clarified the organization's formal position. "ITServe Alliance fully supports the HIRE Act because it strengthens the pathway for U.S. employers to recruit and retain the best global talent while protecting American workers," she said. Vallabhaneni emphasized that the bill promotes "fairness, transparency, and workforce development—key priorities for both our members and the broader technology industry."
Implications and Ongoing Discourse
The viral video, while not officially verified or dated, underscores the deep-seated frustrations within the tech industry regarding immigration policies. It highlights the gap between the political rhetoric on immigration and the ground realities of the U.S. tech sector's reliance on global skills. The incident has fueled discussions on the political influence of professional unions and the complex narrative surrounding high-skilled immigration, setting the stage for continued debate as legislative efforts like the HIRE Act progress.
