Vivek Ramaswamy draws flak for his views on H-1B visas

AS Vivek Ramaswamy begins campaign for Ohio governorship, his views on H-1 B visas have become a cause of concern for some of the Republicans, especially those who see these visas as a threat to American workers.

With many US tech companies resorting to layoffs on one hand and the latest US Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) data showing that over 120,000 H-1B visas have been granted so far, they fear more American workers will be replaced by Indian workers, who corner a lion's share of H-1B visas every year.

Many Republican supporters now wonder whether they should vote for Ramaswamy if American workers face the axe.

Last December, Ramaswamy disparaged US culture to explain why companies need skilled foreign workers.

He had argued that American culture promotes mediocrity instead of focusing on academic excellence and success on the basis of merit.

Hence H-1B visas are needed to bring more skilled immigrants into the US, he had argued.

However, he also felt that H-1B program needs a major reform, as foreign workers are treated like slaves.

He also spoke against the lottery system and pitched for replacing it with a meritocratic system.

After Ramaswamy got his endorsement, many social media users fear he would hire hordes of H-1B visa holders if he becomes the Ohio governor.

One of them called Vivek "an Indian pretending to be American" and wondered what was the point of electing a Republican if American workers get replaced later.

Far-right political commentator Nicholas Fuentes laments, "Vivek Ramaswamy is polling at 77 per cent in the GOP primary for Ohio Governor after Trump’s endorsement. This Anchor Baby who said lazy Americans deserve to be replaced by immigrants is now the future of MAGA."

In response to his tweet a user has responded, "MAGA is replacing Whites faster than the left."

Ramaswamy had earlier resigned from Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative, currently headed by Elon Musk.