US: Residents Allege 'Indian Takeover' Of Texas City; What Is The Controversy In Frisco All About?

Frisco (USA): A regular city council meeting in Frisco, Texas, erupted in controversy when a heated debate broke out between some local residents and citizens of Indian origin. Right-wing groups present at the meeting reportedly leveled accusations of alleged fraud in the H-1B visa program and claimed that Indians were "taking over the city." Indian-American citizens, however, rejected these claims, stating that their presence was contributing to the city's development.

According to local media reports, the meeting took place on February 3. Several people wearing "America First" hats were present. The gathering was reportedly organized after calls from social media influencers Kylie Campbell and Mark Plasencia, who urged North Texans to speak out against the growing Indian population in Frisco.

Were Protesters Local Residents?

According to a Dallas Observer report, many of those causing the disruption at the meeting were not residents of Frisco. They were reportedly there to protest alleged irregularities in the H-1B visa program and the increasing "Indian influence" in the city. During the meeting, some speakers expressed concern about the city's rapidly changing demographics, calling it detrimental to local communities.

What is the Indian Population in the City?

According to a city administration survey, people of Indian and other Asian origins now make up approximately 33 percent of Frisco's total population, compared to about 10 percent in 2010.  Meanwhile, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), approximately 75 percent of issued H-1B visas go to Indian professionals. Some right-wing groups cited these figures to support their allegations of fraud in the visa program.

These allegations gained further traction when Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an order related to the hiring of H-1B professionals. Although the Frisco City Council has no authority over the visa issuance process, those who raised concerns indirectly accused the council of complicity and caused a commotion.

Have Indian-Americans Denied the Allegations?

Several Indian-American speakers present at the meeting strongly refuted these allegations. Shantham Toodi, a former US Army soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said that action should be taken against those who commit visa fraud, but targeting the entire community is wrong. He said that when a problem is linked to an entire ethnic community, policy discussions end and collective blame begins.

Another resident, Muni Janagarajan, said that the presence of Indian families is beneficial for Frisco. According to him, buying homes and paying taxes strengthens the city's parks, infrastructure, and school districts like Frisco ISD, which benefits all children.

How has the Mayor Reacted?

Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney also supported the rights of residents of Indian origin. According to The Dallas Morning News, he said that the city is proud to celebrate various cultural festivals, such as Holi. Cheney said that most Frisco residents have come from somewhere else, and the city administration's goal is to ensure that everyone who makes their home here feels safe and welcome.