The Hindu American Foundation criticized Texas politicians for linking the Austin shooting to H-1B visas, saying the suspect was a U.S. citizen and calling the claims “absurd political theater.”
Texas Politicians Blame H-1B Visas for Austin Shooting, Hindu American Foundation Hits Back (File Photo)
The Hindu American Foundation has criticized several Texas politicians for linking the recent shooting in Austin to immigration policies and the H-1B visa program. The advocacy group described the reaction as “absurd political theater” and said the claims were misleading.
In a post on X, the organization strongly rejected attempts to blame skilled worker visas for the tragic incident. It clarified that the suspect involved in the shooting was not an H-1B visa holder but a long-time American citizen.
“Texas politicians are blaming H-1B visas for the Austin shooting. The suspect was a U.S. citizen, long settled in the country, not some foreign worker on a visa," the Hindu American Foundation stated.
“Using a tragedy to attack skilled immigrants? That’s not policy. That’s absurd political theater. Please. Make it make sense," it added.
Texas politicians are blaming H‑1B visas for the Austin shooting.
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) March 7, 2026
The suspect was a U.S. citizen, long settled in the country, not some foreign worker on a visa.
Using a tragedy to attack skilled immigrants? That’s not policy. That’s absurd political theater. Please. Make it… pic.twitter.com/CYc58zfqtn
The comments came after a deadly shooting in downtown Austin. Authorities said the incident occurred outside a crowded bar area. The suspected gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire in the busy area. The attack killed two people and injured 14 others before police officers shot and killed the suspect.
The shocking incident triggered political reactions and sparked debate over immigration and security policies.
According to reports, Diagne originally came from Senegal and entered the United States in 2000 on a tourist visa.
Several years later, he married an American citizen in 2006 and obtained lawful permanent residency. He eventually became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2013.
Investigators are continuing to look into the suspect’s background and possible motivations. A photograph obtained by CNN reportedly showed Diagne wearing a hoodie with the words “Property of Allah.” Authorities also said he was wearing a T-shirt featuring a pattern of the Iranian flag.
However, officials have not confirmed any direct link between these items and the motive for the attack.
Following the shooting, several Republican lawmakers in Texas pushed for stricter immigration policies.
More than 70 Republican legislators signed a letter to Congress demanding tighter controls on immigration programs. The letter included a request for an immediate pause in issuing H-1B visas, which allow U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals in fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare.
The lawmakers argued that stronger regulations are necessary to protect national security. They also proposed temporarily halting immigration programs until authorities improve systems to track and evaluate newcomers entering the country.
In addition, the letter called for redirecting resources to identify possible threats already present within the United States and ensuring better funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
The Hindu American Foundation’s response highlights a broader debate about immigration and the role of skilled foreign workers in the United States.
The organization argued that blaming programs like the H-1B visa after a violent crime risks unfairly targeting immigrants and skilled professionals who contribute to the country’s economy.
The incident has therefore not only raised concerns about public safety but has also intensified political disagreements over immigration policy and the future of skilled worker visa programs in the U.S.
