Indian-American Impact Fund celebrates contributions of H-1B visa holders to counter racist attacks

Several Indian-American organisations are stepping up to jointly address the recent spate of attacks against Indian immigrants and professionals on social media platforms. “We are working closely with Indian American organisations and other immigrant-serving groups to address this alarming trend. Hateful rhetoric and division will inevitably surface again, so we’re coordinating efforts to protect our communities and change the broader narrative around immigrants. Our goal is to move beyond demonisation and ensure immigrants are celebrated for their contributions, resilience, and role in shaping America,” Chintan Patel, executive director, Indian American Impact Fund, a political organisation representing Indian and South Asian American communities, told the Times of India.
The vitriolic attacks and rhetoric on social media platforms targeting Indian Americans and Indian professionals on H-1B work visas, that spread over the year-end holiday season; by what is seen as a section of the make American great again (MAGA) supporters of US President Elect Donald Trump; have left many in the community deeply alarmed and questioning their safety and status.
“Indian American Impact is fully committed to protecting our communities and strengthening solidarity with other immigrant groups. Through robust policy advocacy and reshaping public narratives, we aim to celebrate the contributions and resilience of H-1B holders and all immigrants,” Patel said.
Even though much of the recent attacks are restricted to social media, there are growing concerns over the physical safety and security of thousands of Indians and South Asians in America and elected government representatives are being approached for support. “Unsurprisingly, Republican leaders have remained silent because so many MAGA Republicans rose to power by demonising immigrants and embracing their supporters’ push for a White ethno-nationalist vision. Meanwhile, Democrats recognise diversity as America’s greatest strength and have passed hate crime legislation at state and federal levels to protect vulnerable communities,” Patel said. He added that leaders from all parties were being urged to reject racism and take tangible action to ensure that immigrant communities in America are safe and valued.
Commenting on the role of co-leader of the Trump administration’s planned department of government efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk, in the recent debate on X, the platform that the billionaire businessman himself owns; Patel feels that he has inserted himself into several global conversations, often wreaking havoc rather than easing tensions.
“Most of his posts have reverted back to demonising immigrants and blaming them for all of society’s problems. Again, Trump, Musk, and their allies gained power by exploiting racial fears and stoking division,” Patel said adding that unless the administration led by Trump and vice-president elect JD Vance reverses the nativism and xenophobia, emblematic of the MAGA movement, they will struggle to gain lasting and meaningful support from Indian Americans.