Every H-1B Equals 10 Illegal Aliens, De-Indianise US Companies: Pollster Mark Mitchell

Mark Mitchell, chief pollster at Rasmussen Reports and a well-known conservative commentator, has ignited a storm of criticism after calling for major American corporations to "de-Indianise" their workforce. His comments, posted on X, were accompanied by a declaration that he intends to launch a consultancy to help companies achieve this goal.

"I have never in my life wanted anything more than this: to build a new corporate consultancy helping major firms de-Indianise," Mitchell wrote.

The statement quickly went viral, sparking outrage across social media platforms and drawing attention to the broader debate about immigration, diversity, and the role of Indian professionals in the US technology sector.

Targeting the H-1B Visa Programme

Mitchell's remarks came just days after his appearance on Stephen Bannon's War Room podcast, where he sharply criticised the H-1B visa programme. He argued that Indian workers dominate the system and claimed their presence has displaced millions of American tech employees.

According to Mitchell, deporting a single senior H-1B developer at Apple would have the same economic impact as removing ten undocumented immigrants. He insisted that Silicon Valley has been "indificated," pointing to workplaces where Indian nationals make up the majority.
He further alleged that US tech giants prefer hiring younger, lower-cost immigrant engineers over experienced American professionals. "People like me, who have families and higher expenses, are easily replaced," he said, adding that companies often ask senior staff to train their own replacements.

Mitchell also drew a stark comparison: "A single H-1B developer earning $90,000 is like importing ten undocumented labourers earning $9 an hour."

Claims About Silicon Valley's Workforce

The pollster argued that the reliance on foreign-born workers has reshaped Silicon Valley, where nearly two-thirds of the workforce is foreign-born. He highlighted that Indian professionals account for roughly 23 percent of the tech labour force, while Chinese workers make up 18 percent. Mitchell framed this as evidence of American workers being sidelined in favour of cheaper overseas talent.

He accused corporations of exploiting what he called a "bottomless well of younger third-world engineers," suggesting that this practice undermines opportunities for American citizens.

Backlash and Accusations of Racism

Mitchell's call to "de-Indianise" companies drew immediate backlash online. Critics accused him of racism and of unfairly targeting an ethnic group that has long contributed to the US economy.

One X user wrote: "If you said you wanted to make major American firms de-Jew you wouldn't have a career left. However, in the American conservative world it is OK to be openly racist towards a model minority."

Another pointed out that Mitchell's rhetoric extended beyond visa holders, effectively disenfranchising even US-born Indian-Americans. "Note that this nut has moved from H-1Bs all the way to 'Indians,' meaning even second-generation Indian-Americans are people he wants to exclude," the user said.

Others condemned the remarks as discriminatory, stressing that such language would never be tolerated if directed at any other ethnic group.

Broader Implications

The controversy underscores the tension between immigration policy and the US tech industry's reliance on global talent. While Mitchell frames his argument as an economic issue, critics argue that his language reveals deeper prejudices. The debate highlights how immigration, diversity, and workforce dynamics remain flashpoints in America's political and cultural discourse.