Far-right political activist Laura Loomer has ignited a fierce and controversial debate with her vocal opposition to the H1B visa program, which allows highly skilled workers—particularly from countries like India—to work in the United States. Loomer, known for her provocative rhetoric, has framed her criticism within a broader, contentious narrative, warning of what she views as the “Great Replacement” agenda. According to Loomer, this influx of foreign workers is a threat to American culture and the nation’s demographic makeup.
The Beginning of the Feud: Loomer vs. Sidharth
The controversy surrounding Loomer’s views began with a tweet from Sidharth, an Indian-origin tech entrepreneur. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Sidharth passionately defended high-skilled immigration, arguing that immigrants were essential to America’s global leadership, particularly in sectors like technology. He stated that high-skilled workers create jobs, fuel economic growth, and contribute to America’s competitive edge, calling anyone who opposes such immigration “anti-American.”
Loomer, who has long been an outspoken critic of immigration programs like H1B, wasted no time in firing back. She rejected Sidharth’s defense, stating, “Our country was built by white Europeans, actually. Not third-world invaders from India.” This comment quickly attracted widespread condemnation, with many accusing Loomer of promoting xenophobic and racist rhetoric.
Loomer’s Stance on Immigration
Loomer’s views on immigration are closely tied to the “America First” agenda, which prioritizes the interests of native-born citizens over those of immigrants. She has been a vocal critic of high-skilled immigration programs like H1B, which she argues allow foreign workers to displace American workers by accepting lower wages. Loomer believes these programs exploit immigrants while simultaneously undercutting U.S. workers.
Our country was built by white Europeans, actually. Not third world invaders from India. @Cloudwatch199
You know, it was white Europeans who created the American Dream, and we didn’t create it so that it could be exploited by pro open border techies like you.
PS: why are… https://t.co/as4swH3PXz
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 24, 2024
Her opposition to H1B visas is not just a policy stance; it is part of her broader belief that immigration is harming American society. Loomer has argued that companies, particularly in the tech industry, use the H1B program to bring in workers from countries like India, who are willing to work for lower wages, thus putting pressure on American workers. In her view, the program undermines the wages and job prospects of native-born citizens, especially in industries reliant on highly skilled workers.
Loomer’s Controversial Remarks
Loomer’s response to Sidharth was not just a dismissal of his argument but an open attack on the country of origin for many H1B workers. In a subsequent tweet, Loomer emphasized that she had voted for a reduction in H1B visas, not an extension. She then shared a picture that she implied represented the state of India, questioning why a nation with “such high-skilled society” would have conditions like those depicted in the image.
Loomer’s post was laden with inflammatory language. She criticized tech billionaires for using their wealth to influence U.S. immigration policy, accusing them of rewriting the system to import “slave laborers” from India and China. Loomer’s remarks, including the use of terms like “cheap labor” and her description of workers as “invaders,” were widely seen as divisive and racially charged, leading to calls for her to address what many saw as xenophobic undertones.
The Great Replacement Theory
Loomer’s stance on immigration aligns with the broader “Great Replacement” theory, which suggests that the native populations of Western countries are being replaced by immigrants, particularly from non-European nations. According to this theory, immigration policies like the H1B program are part of a deliberate effort to change the cultural and demographic makeup of these nations.
For Loomer, the H1B visa program is not just a policy issue—it is a tool in the ongoing “Great Replacement.” She has repeatedly warned that the influx of foreign workers is contributing to the erosion of American culture and identity. Loomer sees the expansion of programs like H1B as part of a larger effort to replace the native population with immigrants, something she believes threatens the very fabric of American society.
Sidharth Responds
As Loomer’s remarks gained traction, Sidharth responded with his own blistering criticism. He accused Loomer of being a “racist” and called out her lack of nuance in discussing immigration. Sidharth also reminded Loomer of her previous controversial statements, including her criticism of the White House smelling like “Indian food.” In his view, Loomer’s tendency to make sweeping, inflammatory generalizations undermined any legitimate concerns she might have about immigration policy.
Sidharth pointed out that while Loomer’s intent may be to reduce immigration, her inflammatory language and lack of diplomatic discourse often backfires. He accused her of disregarding the broader contributions of immigrants to American society, particularly in fields like technology, where foreign workers have played a key role in innovation and growth.
Elon Musk and the Immigration Debate
The feud between Loomer and Sidharth is just one piece of the larger debate over immigration in the United States. Other public figures, like Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have weighed in on the discussion, offering a contrasting viewpoint. Musk, who has supported high-skilled immigration, defended Sidharth’s position and criticized the backlash against pro-immigration policies. Musk argued that limiting immigration would harm America’s ability to stay competitive, particularly in the tech industry, where skilled workers are in high demand.
Musk has also pushed for reforms that would make it easier for skilled immigrants to work in the U.S. and obtain permanent residency, specifically advocating for the removal of country caps for green cards. He has suggested that the U.S. needs to embrace a more open immigration policy if it hopes to remain a global leader in innovation and job creation.
Loomer’s Continued Advocacy
Despite the growing criticism, Loomer has remained unwavering in her position. She has rejected accusations of racism and continued to voice her opposition to the expansion of the H1B visa program. For Loomer, the issue is not just about immigration policy—it is about the preservation of American culture and economic integrity. She has argued that the U.S. should not prioritize the needs of foreign workers over those of its native-born citizens, even if those workers are highly skilled.
Loomer’s comments have sparked intense debate about the role of immigration in American society. While her critics accuse her of promoting divisive and harmful rhetoric, her supporters see her as a defender of American workers, concerned about the economic impact of immigration on the native population.
As the debate continues, it remains clear that Loomer’s stance on the H1B visa program and high-skilled immigration will remain a flashpoint in the broader conversation about the future of U.S. immigration policy.
