Why the right turned on Indians

Rising anti-Indian sentiment within American right-wing circles stems from status anxiety rather than traditional xenophobic tropes regarding criminality or lack of education. This prejudice manifests as a reaction to the visible success of Indian Americans in high-status sectors like technology and academia, leading some political figures to frame their presence as a threat to domestic culture. Freelance journalist Zed Jelani highlights how this rhetoric, once confined to obscure online spaces, now influences mainstream political discourse and immigration policy, specifically targeting H-1B visa programs. While many immigrants adopt a pragmatic approach to avoid flaunting success, the shift in political rhetoric signals a growing nativist movement that views the integration of high-achieving minority groups as a form of cultural replacement. This trend marks a departure from traditional meritocratic immigration ideals toward a more exclusionary, identity-based nationalism.