US India Controversy: In the last few days, several incidents have come to the fore in America, due to which India and people of Indian origin have been worried. US Department of Homeland Security Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s controversial ‘Mr Singh’ post, demand by American MPs to blacklist three India-based companies and a proposal to remove the 60-day grace period for some work visa holders, including H-1B, are at the center of the debate.

Why did Mr Singh’s post cause a big controversy?

The US Department of Homeland Security shared an AI-generated image on social media on September 9. It depicted a bearded man as Mr. Singh and gave a message to leave America’s roads and leave the country voluntarily. The post also used a character from the movie Transformers. Indian and Sikh organizations called the post racially stereotyping and discriminatory.

The post was removed from DHS’s social media accounts after the controversy escalated. The Sikh Coalition and other organizations said using a common Sikh name like Singh in this way could create a false image of the community as a whole.

Demand to blacklist Indian companies in America

Meanwhile, three US MPs have demanded action against three Indian-based companies. Democratic Senators Ron Wyden, Sheldon Whitehouse and Republican Representative Pat Harrigan have written to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick demanding that Beltrox, Cyberroot and Sunkissed Organic Farms Private Limited be included in the Commerce Department’s entity list. Lawmakers have accused the companies of running alleged hack-for-hire and espionage activities against American citizens, businesses and lawyers for years.

Importantly, these companies are currently blacklisted not only because of MPs’ demands. The final decision is to be made by the US Department of Commerce. Such allegations have also been denied earlier by the respective companies.

A new concern for H-1B visa holders

The biggest issue for Indian professionals is related to American work visas including H-1B. The US Department of Homeland Security has put forward a proposal that would eliminate the 60-day grace period some nonimmigrant workers receive after losing their jobs. Under the current system, if an H-1B visa worker loses a job, he or she can usually stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 60 days to find a new job, apply for another appropriate visa status, or prepare to leave the country. If the new proposal is finalized, this period of legal stay in the U.S. could be eliminated for foreign workers who lose their jobs. This change is particularly important for Indian workers, as Indian professionals account for a large portion of the H-1B program.

Why is the effect more visible on Indians?

A large number of Indian professionals work in technology and other skilled sectors in the US. H-1B visas, long waits for green cards and changes in immigration rules therefore have a direct impact on Indian families. On the other hand, the use of Indian-Sikh names like Singh in ongoing immigration proceedings against truck drivers has turned the issue into a controversy over ethnic and religious identity, not just immigration policy.