A political storm has erupted after US President Donald Trump allegedly referred to India and China as “hell-holes” and described immigrants from these countries as “gangsters with laptops” in a controversial post, triggering strong condemnation from Indian-origin lawmakers in the United States. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), which includes several prominent Indian-American leaders, issued a scathing statement calling the remarks “racist” and “xenophobic.” They warned that such rhetoric risks worsening an already tense climate for South Asian communities, particularly at a time when hate incidents are reportedly on the rise.
While the comments targeted both India and China, CAPAC members placed particular emphasis on the implications for Indian-origin communities. They highlighted how Indian immigrants, many of whom work in highly skilled sectors like technology, healthcare and academia, are being unfairly stereotyped. The phrase “gangsters with laptops,” widely interpreted as a swipe at Indian IT professionals, has drawn sharp criticism for undermining the contributions of Indian talent to the US economy. India remains one of the largest sources of high-skilled migrants to the United States, especially through H-1B visas, making the remarks especially sensitive.
CAPAC lawmakers warned that such statements could embolden prejudice at a time when diaspora communities are already facing hostility. They cited growing concerns about discrimination against South Asians, including Indian Americans, in workplaces and public spacesThe group also pointed to what they described as a “pattern” in Trump-era rhetoric, alleging that past statements and associations have . contributed to normalising bias against Asian communities.
Notably, India and the United States have deepened strategic ties in recent years, particularly in technology and defence, making such rhetoric diplomatically sensitive.
CAPAC members mentiond that American identity is rooted in immigration and diversity, asserting that birthright citizens and immigrants alike deserve equal respect. They called on Trump to uphold the dignity of all communities, regardless of origin.
Megha Rawat is an Assistant News Editor at Times Now, where she drives the national news narrative with sharp political reporting, election coverage a...View More
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