Hindu American Foundation Condemns Anti-Indian, Anti H-1B Protest

(IRVING, TEXAS) The Hindu American Foundation condemned an anti-Indian and anti-H-1B street protest here that featured hate speech, offensive signs targeting Hindu deities, and calls to deport Indian professionals. In a statement, HAF’s Executive Director, Suhag Shukla, said she was horrified by the surge in rhetoric demonizing Hindus and the Indian American community, calling it “reckless,” “heartbreaking,” and “un-American.” The Foundation said the Indian immigrant community has contributed deeply to the United States 🇺🇸 and stressed there is no place for this kind of bigotry in America.

The protest, organized by a far-right group called Take Action Texas, drew attention for placards that many described as openly hostile toward Indian immigrants and Hindu faith symbols. The group’s signs included sharp slogans aimed at the H-1B visa program and Hindu imagery, prompting swift and broad condemnation from civil rights groups and community leaders.

HAF’s statement framed the rally as part of a wider pattern of anti-Indian sentiment connected to recent policy debates around the H-1B work visa. The group linked the climate of hostility to policy moves that it views as punitive toward immigrants, including a controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications that it said was imposed during the Trump administration. According to HAF and other Indian American organizations, such measures carry a xenophobic message and harm immigrant communities by fueling resentment and confusion.

Community reaction and safety concerns

The demonstration sparked outrage and worry within the local Indian-American community. Families and small business owners said the language on display felt like a direct threat.

Parents reported concerns about children facing bullying tied to Hindu symbols. Faith leaders described the signs as a serious misrepresentation of Hinduism and a deliberate attempt to provoke fear.

HAF said the protest was “un-American” not only because of its tone, but because it singled out people based on nationality and religion. The Foundation urged public officials, schools, and employers to stand clearly against hate speech. Community advocates in Irving echoed that call, saying people should be able to walk to the temple, go to work, or attend school without worrying about harassment.

The signage at the event included:
– “Don’t India My Texas”
– “Deport H-1B Scammers”
– “Reject Foreign Demons”

Shukla said targeting Hindu deities and Indian professionals in this way dehumanizes neighbors, coworkers, and classmates. She emphasized that American history shows immigrant communities strengthen the country, and that Indian immigrants—many of whom came as students and workers—are part of that story.

“When rhetoric paints skilled Indian workers as ‘scammers,’ it harms people who followed the rules, paid taxes, and built lives in American communities.”

Policy backdrop and visa context

HAF tied the Irving protest to a broader policy environment around H-1B visas. The group has been vocal about U.S. government actions it considers unfair and confusing.

They criticized the $100,000 H-1B application fee they associate with policies under President Trump, saying it sends an exclusionary signal and that such policy choices ripple through families and workplaces, making life harder for lawful immigrants and the employers who hire them.

Advocates also called for clearer guidance from federal agencies on visa rules and processing. HAF urged the government to “protect immigrant rights and clarify confusing visa regulations,” noting that unclear rules can breed misinformation and make lawful workers easy targets for public anger.

VisaVerge.com reports that advocacy groups have pressed federal officials to pair any enforcement or fee changes with plain-language explanations so communities understand what the rules actually mean.

The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to petition for specialized workers. For official information about eligibility, employer requirements, and the petition process, readers can review the H-1B overview on the USCIS page for H-1B Specialty Occupations to see the basic framework set out by the government.

Local impacts and community response

In Irving, residents who saw the demonstration said it felt personal. Shop owners in Indian business districts worried about copycat events and a chilling effect on customers. Parents asked local schools to reaffirm anti-bullying policies and to make sure classrooms remain welcoming to children of all backgrounds.

Temple volunteers discussed adding safety measures for upcoming festivals, a reminder of how public speech can affect day-to-day life. HAF’s reaction also touched on the emotional toll for families: community members said that seeing Hindu gods mocked in public—alongside messages to “deport” neighbors—stirs old fears among immigrants who came to the United States seeking stability and opportunity.

The Foundation called on city leaders and faith partners to ensure people feel safe attending services, celebrations, and cultural events.

HAF’s stance on debate vs. bigotry

HAF insisted it supports peaceful debate on immigration policy, but said the line is crossed when protesters use language that attacks a religion or national origin. The Foundation emphasized the difference between questioning how a visa program works and demonizing an entire community tied to that program.

According to HAF, the way forward includes three practical steps:
1. Clear federal messaging that explains visa rules.
2. Local statements that condemn hate speech.
3. Community outreach that builds trust.

The group believes these steps can help reduce the fear that incidents like the Irving rally create for Indian immigrants and their families.

Civil rights organizations echoed HAF’s view that officials should watch for patterns where policy debates spill into street-level hostility. They urged local governments to keep communication lines open with immigrant communities, faith leaders, and employers. HAF added that unity does not mean avoiding tough conversations about immigration; it means having those conversations without targeting people for who they are or what they believe.

Closing message

As the debate over H-1B continues, HAF said it will keep pressing for policies that respect workers and families while addressing public concerns. The Foundation closed its statement by calling the Irving protest a “hateful and bigoted act” and reminding the public that Indian immigrants are part of the American story—students, engineers, doctors, business owners, and neighbors who contribute to the country every day.