I Shouldn’t Have Said That: JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance has clarified his controversial remarks about H-1B visa holders, acknowledging that his description of foreign workers as “indentured servants” was poorly worded. Speaking during a public discussion, Vance referred to his South Indian in-laws and said he welcomed people who contribute to the United States. His clarification comes amid controversy over the Trump administration’s suspension of several companies, including Indian IT firms, from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme, a key step in employment-based green card sponsorship.

Vance maintained that his criticism was directed at companies he believes exploit foreign workers and use visa programmes in ways that disadvantage American employees, rather than at every H-1B visa holder. India had earlier criticised his description of skilled foreign professionals as unwarranted and deeply offensive. The debate has brought renewed attention to immigration policy, the treatment of skilled Indian professionals in the US and the role of international talent in the technology sector.