Prominent Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Kanwal Rekhi has sharply criticized recent moves by the United States to tighten immigration, particularly the flow of skilled professionals from India, labeling the strategy as "foolish." The co-founder of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) shared his views during a recent visit to India, emphasizing that while nations have sovereign rights over their borders, the current American stance is shortsighted.
A 'Foolish' Policy That Ignores Strategic Needs
Speaking from Hyderabad, Rekhi did not mince words. He acknowledged that every country, including the US, possesses the right to decide its immigration rules. "Nobody has the birth right to go to America," he stated. However, he argued that the specific clampdown on talent from India is a misstep. "What they are doing is foolish, but everybody has the right to be foolish," remarked the outspoken octogenarian.
Rekhi, who immigrated to the US in the 1960s, pointed out a critical contradiction in the American position. He believes the US will quickly realize that in its ongoing strategic and technological rivalry with China, it desperately needs Indian expertise on its side. "They will discover very quickly, and they are already discovering, that in this cold war they are having with China, they need Indians on their side," he explained.
The Democratic Safeguard and Voter Retribution
Despite the strong criticism, Rekhi expressed confidence that this phase is temporary, citing the inherent self-correcting mechanisms of a democracy. He views the upcoming electoral cycle as the ultimate check on such policies. "In a democracy, the only retribution is the retribution of voters," he said.
He reminded everyone that American voters will have their say during the mid-term elections, which are about ten months away. "The Americans are a free people, and they will decide... And that's the beauty of democracy, which is self-correcting," Rekhi added, underscoring his faith in the system even while disagreeing with its current output.
Indispensable Indian Talent and Mutual Respect
Rekhi's comments came during his trip to inaugurate the Kanwal Rekhi Rural Entrepreneurship and Startup Centre (KREST) in Nizamabad. He addressed the rise in negative sentiment towards Indians from certain quarters like the MAGA supporters but remained steadfast in his belief in the indispensable value of Indian professionals.
He concluded with a principle of mutual respect in international relations. "They have to decide that for themselves. We cannot be telling them how to run their country, just like India will not allow anybody to tell us how to run our country," Rekhi stated, framing the issue within the context of national sovereignty and respectful dialogue between nations.
