Vice President JD Vance defended his "indentured servants" label on H‑1B workers during a CBS News town hall in Flat Rock, Michigan, on May 9, 2026. He said the phrase targeted companies that hire foreign talent after firing Americans, not the workers themselves. India immediately condemned the remarks as "unwarranted" and "deeply offensive".
Vance pointed to the H‑1B visa program, which allows U.S. firms to bring in skilled workers. The program has seen Indian nationals win over 70% of all approved petitions each year, and the U.S. has recently suspended some Indian IT firms from its green‑card sponsorship scheme. He argued that the system gives employers too much power and leaves foreign employees vulnerable.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying the comments risked damaging ties between the two countries and called for a review of the U.S. immigration policy. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the administration would engage with Indian counterparts to address concerns.
Vance, whose wife Usha is a first‑generation Indian immigrant, said he loves his in‑laws and his second‑generation daughter. He framed the debate as a balance between welcoming skilled talent and protecting American workers. The comments came as the White House pushes for stricter labor standards in the visa program.
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform is slated to hold a hearing on the H‑1B loopholes next month, and lawmakers are drafting a bill that would tighten eligibility criteria. Meanwhile, Indian businesses are lobbying for clearer rules to avoid future suspensions. The debate is likely to shape the next round of U.S. immigration reforms.