US Pollster Mark Mitchell Sparks Controversy With H‑1B Remarks: “One Worker Equals Ten Illegal Aliens”

The American political landscape has once again been stirred by a heated debate over immigration and workforce diversity. Mark Mitchell, CEO of Rasmussen Reports and a prominent US pollster, has ignited a storm of criticism after claiming that a single H‑1B visa worker is the economic equivalent of ten illegal immigrants. His remarks, coupled with calls to “de‑Indianise” American corporations, have triggered widespread backlash across social media, business circles, and immigrant communities.

 

What Did Mark Mitchell Say?

Speaking on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast, Mitchell argued that Indian professionals working in the US under the H‑1B visa program are replacing American workers in critical technology roles. He went further, stating that deporting one senior H‑1B developer at a company like Apple would be “economically the same as deporting ten illegal aliens.”

Mitchell also announced plans to launch a consultancy firm dedicated to helping US corporations “de‑Indianise” their workforce. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “I have never in my life wanted anything more than this: to build a new corporate consultancy helping major firms de‑Indianise.”

 

Why His Comments Sparked Outrage

• Accusations of Racism: Critics argue that Mitchell’s remarks unfairly target Indian professionals, who make up a significant portion of the H‑1B workforce in Silicon Valley.
• Economic Misrepresentation: Many economists and tech leaders dismissed his claim that one H‑1B worker equals ten illegal aliens as misleading and inflammatory.
• Impact on Diversity: The call to “de‑Indianise” companies was seen as an attack on diversity and inclusion efforts within US corporations.

Social media platforms quickly lit up with responses, with many users accusing Mitchell of xenophobia and attempting to scapegoat immigrants for broader economic challenges.

 

The Role of Indian Professionals in the US Tech Sector

Indian engineers and developers have long been a backbone of America’s technology industry. The H‑1B visa program allows US companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, particularly in areas where domestic talent is scarce.

• Silicon Valley Dependence: Companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta rely heavily on Indian talent for software development, AI, and cybersecurity.
• Economic Contribution: Studies show that H‑1B workers contribute billions of dollars annually to the US economy through taxes, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Job Creation: Far from “replacing” Americans, many H‑1B professionals help create new jobs by driving growth in tech firms.

Mitchell’s remarks therefore clash with the established narrative that immigrant workers are essential to maintaining America’s global tech leadership.

 

Political Context

Immigration has always been a polarizing issue in US politics. Mitchell’s comments come at a time when the H‑1B program is under renewed scrutiny, with debates over whether it benefits or harms American workers.

• Conservative Viewpoint: Some right‑wing commentators argue that foreign workers depress wages and reduce opportunities for US citizens.
• Progressive Counterpoint: Advocates highlight that immigrants fill critical skill gaps and strengthen America’s competitiveness in global markets.

Mitchell’s rhetoric aligns with the former, but his extreme comparison—equating legal, highly skilled workers with undocumented immigrants—has been widely condemned.

 

Reactions From Business and Policy Experts

• Tech Leaders: Executives in Silicon Valley have defended the H‑1B program, noting that without immigrant talent, innovation would slow dramatically.
• Immigrant Advocacy Groups: Organizations supporting Indian professionals labeled Mitchell’s comments as discriminatory and harmful to US‑India relations.
• Policy Analysts: Experts argue that instead of demonizing H‑1B workers, the US should focus on reform