- YouTuber Tyler Oliveira calls for abolishing the H-1B visa program.
- His comments follow backlash over a documentary misrepresenting an Indian cultural festival.
- Oliveira says America has enough talent and should invest in its youth instead of foreign workers.
- Trump defends the need for “certain” foreign expertise in specialized industries.
- The MAGA base is split, prompting the Trump administration to clarify its immigration stance.
American YouTuber Tyler Oliveira, who recently stirred anger in India with his misleading documentary on a traditional cow dung festival, has now jumped into the H-1B visa debate. Oliveira, who falsely described the cultural event as a 'poop-throwing festival,' is once again drawing criticism for statements many view as anti-India and anti-immigrant.
Oliveira dismissed the H-1B visa system, dismissed the idea that Americans lack talent
In a new video, Oliveira dismissed the idea that America lacks talent, rejecting the long-standing argument behind the H-1B visa system. He claimed the US should abolish the program entirely and invest in American youth instead of relying on skilled workers from overseas. To justify his position, he argued that the US landed on the moon decades before the H-1B program even existed—proof, he said, that America does not need foreign expertise.
Oliveira has made several anti-India remarks in the past, especially around the release of his documentary, where he claimed he and his family were targeted on social media by Indians. His latest comments have added fuel to an already heated national debate over foreign workers and the future of the H-1B system.
His remarks came during a broader political storm sparked by President Donald Trump’s statement that America still needs 'certain' foreign talent. Trump explained that some specialized skills cannot be instantly developed in the domestic workforce, citing Korean battery technicians as an example. He argued that such expertise often requires decades of experience and is essential for industries involving dangerous or highly technical processes.
The reaction inside the MAGA movement was sharply divided. Some supporters defended Trump's explanation, while others openly criticized him, claiming his comments contradicted the movement’s “America First” principles. The Trump administration quickly attempted to calm the backlash, clarifying that their focus remains on ending illegal immigration, not stopping the entry of skilled workers. Officials emphasized that the goal is to bring in qualified foreign workers legally for short-term roles and ensure they return home afterwards.
What is the 'poop throwing festival' that was criticized after YouTuber shared the video?
The cow dung throwing festival celebrated in South India is called Gorehabba. It is a Hindu festival observed mainly in the village of Gumatapura, located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The festival marks the end of Diwali celebrations, specifically held a day after Bali Padyami, the fourth day of Diwali.
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Gorehabba is dedicated to Beerappa (or Beereshwara Swamy), a local deity believed to be an avatar or manifestation of Shiva, who, according to local legend, was born from cow dung. The festival involves villagers playfully throwing cow dung at each other in a ceremony that begins with a puja (ritual worship) on a cow dung heap behind the local Beerappa temple. After the puja, the participants are smeared with cow dung, and a free-for-all throws cow dung to celebrate.
The tradition is believed to have health benefits, such as curing diseases, and cow dung itself is considered sacred and purifying in Hindu culture, used for fuel, manure, and disinfecting floors. The festival attracts not only locals but also tourists wanting to witness this unusual and unique celebration. After the ritual, the cow dung is often used for fertilizing crops, linking the celebration to agricultural prosperity.
Gorehabba has been celebrated for over 300 years and symbolizes community harmony, good health, and prosperity. It is a vibrant, messy, and joyful way to close the Diwali festival in this region of South India.
