Dallas, Texas, USA – A brief video capturing the Ganesh Visarjan celebrations by the Indian community in Dallas has gone viral, provoking strong reactions from anti-immigrant factions. The controversy erupted after an American user on X shared the clip, connecting the vibrant street festivities with H-1B visa holders, and commenting:

"We need to cancel the H1-Bs. I want my children to grow up in America, not India."

Cultural Celebration Branded an “Invasion”

What should have been a lighthearted cultural event quickly became a point of political tension. Supporters of the MAGA movement used the video to push for tougher immigration policies, portraying the Indian community’s visibility as an “invasion.”

This is not the first instance where Dallas’s Indian community has drawn national attention for their cultural activities. Events ranging from traditional rituals like palabhishekams to film premieres have previously sparked both admiration and criticism.

Politics Driving the Controversy

The timing of this backlash is notable. With recent H-1B visa reforms under Trump and ongoing layoffs in the tech sector, Indian professionals have become convenient targets in broader debates over immigration and national identity. What might have been viewed as a festive street event is now fueling anti-immigrant sentiment.

Concerns for the Indian H-1B Community

For thousands of Indians living in the US on H-1B visas, incidents like these intensify feelings of uncertainty. Celebrations and cultural gatherings are increasingly politicized, leaving many concerned about safety, acceptance, and career prospects.

As discussions escalate, the viral Dallas video underscores how issues of immigration, politics, and cultural identity continue to intersect in contemporary American society.