The debate over H-1B visas has resumed with fervor as Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) base once again called for a complete halt to the hiring of skilled workers from countries like l ‘India. The controversy gained momentum earlier this week following an investment in an Indian-American venture capitalist. Appointment of Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for AI in the Trump Administrationsparking accusations from far-right figures that the move undermines the “America First” agenda. While some blame immigration policies for displacing American workers, entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy offered a different perspective: The problem lies not in immigration but in American culture itself.

Ramaswamy took to X (formerly Twitter) with a bold critique of what he sees as America’s systemic failure to foster excellence among its youth. In his article, he argued that big tech companies hire foreign-born and first-generation engineers not because Americans lack innate talent, but because American culture prioritizes mediocrity over than excellence.

The reason big tech companies often hire foreign-born, first-generation engineers rather than “native” Americans is not due to an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy and flawed explanation). A key element comes down to the C word: culture. Difficult questions require difficult answers and so… — Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 26, 2024

“Normal is not enough in a hyper-competitive global market for technical talent,” Ramaswamy tweeted. He highlighted the cultural glorification of prom queens and jocks over math prodigies and valedictorians as a fundamental flaw in American society.

In a lengthy article, Ramaswamy primarily highlighted the broader concern about the cultural education of American children. He juxtaposed the values ​​of immigrant families, which often emphasize academic rigor, discipline and achievement, with what he described as the “normalcy” celebrated by dominant American culture.

Citing examples of popular ’90s TV shows like Boy Meets World and Saved by the Bell, Ramaswamy highlighted how American media has long idolized the charming but average protagonist while relegating “nerdy” characters to comic status. “A culture that reveres Cory from ‘Boy Meets World’ or Zach & Slater over Screech from ‘Saved by the Bell’ will not produce the best engineers,” he wrote.

Immigrant families, he noted, often avoid such cultural distractions. Many have placed strict limits on television and social outings, encouraging their children to focus on math competitions, science projects and other intellectually enriching activities. The results, Ramaswamy argued, speak for themselves: These children often grew up to become leaders in STEM fields.

MAGA is furious

Of course, Vivek Ramaswamy’s message offended many Americans. Many took issue with Ramaswamy’s presentation of the problem as cultural rather than systemic. Some also condemned his comments, calling them dismissive of American workers and overly sympathetic toward H-1B visa holders.

A recurring argument was the prevalence of fraud and manipulation within the H-1B visa system. Some commentators have asserted that unqualified individuals (from India) with fake degrees often obtain employment in the United States, posing significant national security risks. “This is an incentive in India to issue fake educational documents to get a job in the US,” one user wrote.

Some have pointed out that relying on foreign workers undermines the achievements of past American generations, such as those who took the United States to the Moon or built its aerospace industry, achievements made long before the influx of H-workers. 1B.

Others denounce the economic realities behind hiring preferences, arguing that companies favor foreign workers not because of their cultural excellence but because of cost advantages. Temporary visa holders, they say, are often paid less and subject to exploitative conditions, with their residency tied to employment. This creates an imbalance of power, allowing companies to suppress wages and control working conditions, harming American and foreign workers.

However, generally speaking, Ramaswamy’s dichotomy between excellence and normality has attracted strong criticism. “It is harmful to present success as requiring giving up social or leisure experiences,” one speaker noted, emphasizing that balance and well-being are essential to lasting success. They argue that immigrant families’ emphasis on academic rigor, while admirable, represents only one path to success and should not be considered the benchmark for all.

Vivek, your assertion that “native” Americans are overlooked for high-tech positions due to their cultural mediocrity is not only dismissive and simplistic, it is also an indirect acknowledgment of illegal practices under US law . By presenting this as a cultural problem, you inadvertently… — Alb (@amandalouise416) December 26, 2024

Perhaps the harshest critics have accused Ramaswamy of bias, with some saying his comments were intended to defend a system that disproportionately benefits individuals from his own ethnic background. “That’s all I needed to read to understand that Vivek is defending the system that allows more of his countrymen to come to America,” remarked one reviewer.

This reaction highlights the deep divisions surrounding the H1-B visa debate. While Ramaswamy intended to spark introspection about cultural values, many Americans interpreted his message as an attack on their way of life and a defense of exploitative labor practices. For a nation grappling with questions of identity, equity and global competitiveness, his remarks struck a chord that is unlikely to abate any time soon.

The H-1B debate

Ramaswamy’s criticism comes amid heated debate over the H-1B visa program. MAGA supporters argue that the program allows companies to prioritize cheaper foreign talent over domestic workers, undermining U.S. job security. Conservative activist Laura Loomer was particularly vocal, accusing Sriram Krishnan, senior policy adviser for artificial intelligence (AI) at the White House, of betraying Trump’s “America First” policy by pleading for green card backlog reforms which disproportionately benefit Indian workers.

On the other hand, proponents of high-skilled immigration, including Silicon Valley executives, say attracting top global talent is essential to maintaining America’s competitive edge. Ramaswamy aligns with this view but goes even further by urging Americans to focus on cultivating their own homegrown talent.