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A US resident’s post calling to “cancel” H1-B visas after showing Indians celebrating in his neighbourhood drew backlash, with users pointing out it was likely a cultural festival.
Dallas man posts video showing Indians celebrating in his neighbourhood
A video posted on X by a US resident in Dallas invited backlash, as the X user, in the video, showed alleged Indians celebrating in his neighbourhood.
In his X post, the man, identified as Daniel Keene, called for “cancelling” the H1-B visas and said he wants his kids to grow up in the United States, and not India.
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“Typical view in my neighborhood outside Dallas. We have to cancel the H1-Bs. I want my kids to grow up in America. Not India,” (sic), he wrote.
However, his post was quickly countered by other X users, who pointed out that the gathering was likely a cultural or religious celebration, such as Onam or the final day of Ganesh Puja.
Users also opined that these are celebrated just once every year, and noted that the participants are local homeowners, taxpayers, and contributing members of the community.
Some also urged the man to distinguish between lawful cultural events and immigration issues, while many highlighted that the United States is a melting pot of immigrants.
“If that was yesterday, it was probably just an Onam celebration—it literally only happens once a year,” an X user commented.
Another wrote, “Jesus, did you literally drive around Frisco or Prosper to capture this and post this garbage? Those folks are homeowners, taxpayers, and add income to your community.”
“This is America! The melting pot of the world! It has been the land of immigrants and welcomed all communities, that is the ethos of the American nation,” another one commented.
Others opined that cultural celebrations should not be conflated with immigration issues.
“Ganesha is a huge huge deal, millions come out on the street to submerge him in the seas, and along with Diwali and Holi are the biggest Indian festivals. That said, it’s no excuse for anyone to run illegal sweatshops or immigration rackets- that should be stopped,” a user wrote.
Last month, the United States made it mandatory for the majority of non-immigrants to appear for immigration, as it modified the rules for H1-B visa and Green Card holders.
The new rules came into effect on September 2, and will include those applying for H-1B and F-1 visas. The “Dropbox” interview waiver program, which came into effect during the Covid-19 times, will come to an end.
Earlier, children under 14 and adults over 79 were exempt from in-person interviews; however, as the new rule comes into effect, these age groups are also required to attend interviews unless they meet specific exemption criteria.
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About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
September 08, 2025, 11:31 IST
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