A Texas-based entrepreneur and CEO, Ryan Stewman, has shared his evolving perspective on the H-1B visa program and the situation of Indians in Texas. A few months ago, he was against the H-1B visa program, but he now believes that driving Indians away from the United States will harm the US economy. He argues that Americans are not pursuing studies in engineering or medicine. This commentary comes at a time when Indians, particularly in Texas, are facing increased hostility due to what some Americans describe as a 'takeover'.
Stewman's Change of Heart
Stewman stated that he voted for President Donald Trump and supports the 'America First' policy. However, he emphasized that for America to succeed, Indians should not be driven out of Texas. He addressed claims of a mass invasion in the tech corridor and acknowledged the presence of fraud, but noted that fraud exists within every community, and no culture is exempt from it.
Impact of Tech Layoffs
Referring to recent tech layoffs affecting Indians in the US, Stewman said, 'The President listened and changed the H-1B guidelines. We've had tech layoffs and a lot of AI replaced these people's jobs. Which means in the next 60 days if they don't get sponsored by somebody else, these Indians are going to have to head back to India.' He observed that many people online are cheering for this outcome.
Criticism of American Education Choices
Stewman criticized Americans for not pursuing engineering or medicine. He said, 'By large, they're going to school for like gender studies or how to have a septum with piercing blue hair on top of that.'
Indians as Model Citizens
Living in Frisco, Texas, Stewman noted that Indians commit virtually no crime, making it the safest place to live. 'They are non-violent, non-confrontational. They can't drive but other than that, they're good people.' He addressed the argument that removing Indians would make housing more affordable, pointing out that H-1B visa holders typically earn six-figure salaries, so their departure would not help poorer individuals afford homes.
Affordable Housing Debate
Stewman questioned the logic of wanting affordable housing by driving out high-earning, low-crime residents. 'You want affordable housing, so you want poorer people. Which poor people tend to commit more crimes? So you wanna run the people who are a net positive on society and who create zero crime. You wanna run them out and take the risk that poor people are gonna come in and buy their houses and not commit crimes,' he said.
This report is based on information from the Times of India World Desk, which provides global news coverage.
