United States—Indian-American MAGA influencer Priya Patel ignited a firestorm of backlash after calling for the complete elimination of the H-1B visa program, alleging widespread fraud, job theft, and housing abuse.
Her viral campaign against the temporary work visa has divided social media and drawn sharp criticism from both supporters and detractors who question the hypocrisy of an Indian-origin commentator leading an anti-immigration crusade.
Key Facts
• In September 2025, the Trump administration raised H-1B visa fees from $5,000 to $100,000, creating significant barriers for employers and workers seeking temporary skilled labor visas.
• Patel appeared on social media claiming immigration lawyers have approved tens of thousands of H-1B applications, with examples like Chand Parvathani processing over 20,000 applications personally.
• On December 23, 2025, Patel posted
Patel's anti-H-1B stance centers on accusations that the visa program facilitates fraudulent employment schemes and unfair advantages for foreign workers. She claimed H-1B holders operate companies from residential properties and receive government-backed financing, including FHA loans at lower interest rates to purchase homes.
The influencer pointed to specific examples in her video, stating these H-1B employers have "conquered" states like Texas through coordinated business operations. She argued that American citizens struggling with inflation and high interest rates should not compete with temporary visa holders receiving special mortgage assistance.
Patel further alleged that government programs helped H-1B visa holders obtain mortgages with minimal credit history until May 2025. She expressed sympathy for working Americans unable to afford housing while claiming foreigners received preferential treatment.
Her calls for dismantling the H-1B program gained traction among anti-immigration advocates but triggered significant backlash when she posted
on December 23. Social media users immediately pointed out her own Indian surname and immigration background.
responded 4X founder James Blunt, highlighting the perceived contradiction.
Other commenters questioned who decides American identity, with many suggesting Patel herself should self-deport if she truly believed in her
philosophy. The backlash intensified as users accused her of hypocrisy and self-serving positioning.
Patel's controversial history includes statements that
and claims that third-world nations practicing slavery, child marriage, and polygamy should not send immigrants to America. She has argued that mass immigration constitutes
The influencer's positions align closely with Trump administration policies that significantly increased barriers for H-1B visa holders. Her campaign highlights the growing tension between Indian-American communities and anti-immigration movements, despite her own heritage.
These developments come amid the Trump administration implementing
of H-1B applicants and dependents starting December 15, 2025, demanding public social media account access. Numerous employers have withdrawn H-1B support, forcing workers to rapidly find alternative sponsorship or face deportation.
The controversy underscores deepening divisions between American natives and H-1B workers across social media platforms. Patel's campaign demonstrates how immigration policy debates have become increasingly polarized, with influencers amplifying anti-immigration rhetoric despite their own ethnic backgrounds.
As the Trump administration continues tightening H-1B policies, Indian-American communities face mounting pressure and uncertainty. Patel's sustained criticism may influence policy direction but has simultaneously exposed contradictions in anti-immigration positioning when championed by immigrant descendants.
Do You Know?
The H-1B visa program was created in 1990 and allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. According to data from the Trump administration's September 2025 policy announcement, over 100,000 H-1B visas are approved annually, with India accounting for approximately 70% of recipients.
Key Terms
• H-1B Visa: A temporary work visa program allowing U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring higher education or specialized skills, typically valid for up to six years.
• FHA Loan: Federal Housing Administration-backed mortgages designed to help borrowers with lower credit scores or minimal down payments access home financing at competitive rates.
• Deportation: The legal process of removing a person from a country when they violate immigration laws or visa conditions, potentially permanent depending on circumstances.
• MAGA: Acronym standing for “Make America Great Again,” the political slogan and movement associated with Donald Trump and conservative immigration restriction policies.
Asia91 Original