In today’s interconnected world, technology companies operate globally, bridging continents, cultures, and economies. Giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple profit from their expansive markets, including India, one of the largest consumer bases in the world. Yet, a glaring hypocrisy exists in how some in the MAGA movement—a faction of American political ideology that champions “America First” policies—view this global interdependence, particularly when it comes to Indian professionals in the tech industry.
Many MAGA supporters seem perfectly fine with American tech companies selling their products in India. They celebrate the billions of dollars in revenue these companies generate from Indian consumers, ranging from iPhones to cloud services. This exchange benefits the U.S. economy by fueling corporate profits and stock prices. However, this acceptance of economic globalization abruptly ends when it comes to Indian professionals working in these very companies.
The outrage begins when Indians, often employed through the H-1B visa program, assume critical roles in these organizations. Instead of recognizing their contributions—helping drive innovation, manage projects, and enhance global competitiveness—MAGA supporters label them as threats to American jobs. This reaction reeks of xenophobia, revealing a double standard rooted in racism rather than genuine concern for economic fairness.
The H1B visa program, a frequent target of MAGA ire, allows skilled foreign workers to contribute to the US economy, often filling critical roles in STEM fields. Indians have consistently been among the top recipients of these visas, a testament to their expertise and qualifications. To put it into perspective, Indians received over 74% of the 407,000 H1B visas approved in FY2022, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. These professionals are not “stealing” American jobs; they are filling gaps, driving innovation, and contributing significantly to the US economy.
The H-1B visa program, designed to allow highly skilled professionals to work in the U.S., has been a cornerstone of America’s tech industry for decades. Many of the brightest minds from India have utilized this program to help companies like Google and Microsoft remain global leaders. Yet, it has become a scapegoat for broader anxieties about economic inequality and job insecurity in the U.S., issues that are far more complex than the presence of foreign workers.
Rather than addressing systemic problems—like inadequate investment in STEM education, outdated labor policies, and the outsourcing of low-skill jobs—MAGA proponents focus on demonizing immigrants. This approach distracts from the real work needed to ensure a competitive and inclusive economy.
If the U.S. takes measures to limit the H-1B program, India could consider retaliatory steps, such as levying heavy import taxes on American tech products. After all, these companies profit immensely from the Indian market, and their success relies not just on U.S. consumers but on billions of users worldwide. Such a move would remind policymakers that economic relationships are reciprocal.
This could also serve as a wake-up call for American corporations, prompting them to recognize that they cannot take markets like India for granted while supporting policies that harm Indian professionals. India’s growing economy and consumer base give it leverage, and strategic trade policies could shift the conversation about fairness in globalization.
The MAGA outrage over Indian workers in U.S. tech companies exposes a deeper problem: an unwillingness to embrace the realities of globalization and the contributions of immigrants. Indians working in these companies are not taking away opportunities—they are creating value, driving innovation, and helping these organizations thrive on a global scale.
The world is too interconnected to sustain the narrow-minded nationalism that MAGA represents. Rather than stoking resentment against immigrants, the focus should be on fostering collaboration, investing in education, and ensuring that all workers—both American and foreign—have the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.
India, for its part, has every right to assert its position in this global dynamic. The relationship between American tech giants and India is a two-way street, and both sides must acknowledge and respect the contributions they make to each other’s success.