US Vice President JD Vance walks back comments he made about H-1B visa workers, after protests and criticism from India. Multiple outlets report that he acknowledges his rhetoric was “imperfect,” and issues an apology. He says his intent was not to target the visa holders themselves, but to focus on companies that allegedly exploit the immigration system.
Vance also clarifies that his remarks should be read as aimed at the way the H-1B programme is used by US employers rather than at foreign professionals. India’s Ministry of External Affairs is reported to have strongly objected to the terminology used. In response to the backlash, coverage also highlights Vance’s remarks about his “in-laws,” as part of his effort to contextualise his comments and reduce the personal and diplomatic impact.
Across reports, the central dispute remains the characterisation of H-1B workers as “foreign indentured servants,” with India challenging the language and Vance asserting that foreign professionals’ rights should be protected while the administration continues to consider American jobs.
