Wilmington, Delaware, USA: A U.S.-based far-right activist has ignited a heated online debate by criticizing the hiring of Indian professionals under H-1B visas, reviving long-standing discussions about the role of foreign skilled workers in the American workforce.
Lauren Elena Witzke, known for her alt-right activism and anti-LGBT positions, previously the Republican Senate candidate in Delaware in 2020 and a former TruNews host, argued that the U.S. does not require foreign talent to fill critical positions. In a recent post, she stated,
"The solution is NOT to sell out Americans and import India here through endless H1B Visas." She added that America should instead focus on improving its schools, colleges, and workforce programs. Witzke also referenced national IQ comparisons to support her claim, suggesting that the U.S. workforce is inherently “smarter” but needs better education investments.
Her comments drew swift responses online. Attorney Ramanuj Mukherjee countered, noting, “First produce enough doctors, then we will talk. Skilled immigration is inevitable,” highlighting ongoing shortages in the healthcare sector.
Others shared data indicating that while first-year residency slots in the U.S. have grown significantly from 1995 to 2024, the number of domestic medical graduates remains far lower, underscoring the need for foreign-trained doctors.
Witzke dismissed these points, claiming, “That’s what J1 Visas are for—also, this is a total farce. Thousands of American med students won’t get matched for residency, as they are rejected and a foreigner takes their place.”
The discussion intensified when a commenter, Sidharth, challenged her IQ, prompting Witzke to respond with an insult targeting an Indian participant.
Although the chart shared by other users was not included in Witzke’s original post, it highlighted the gap between U.S. medical school graduates and residency openings, emphasising the country’s dependence on international professionals. The debate soon broadened, covering H-1B and J-1 visa policies, physician shortages, and the importance of international workers in U.S. healthcare and technology sectors.
