Top US Pollster Sparks Debate: Claims Deporting One H-1B Worker Equals Removing Ten Illegal Immigrants

A leading American pollster has ignited a fierce debate on U.S. immigration policy. Mark Mitchell made controversial comments about Indian tech workers on H-1B visas. He spoke on a podcast hosted by former Trump adviser Stephen Bannon on December 8.Mitchell argued that sending a senior H-1B developer home has a major economic impact. He claimed it equals deporting ten unauthorized immigrants. His remarks target the significant presence of foreign-born talent in Silicon Valley.

Pollster Details “Indification” of Silicon Valley Workforce

Mark Mitchell is the head pollster at Rasmussen Reports. He stated his views clearly on “The War Room” podcast. He said for every senior Apple developer sent back, the economic effect matches removing ten illegal aliens.Mitchell criticized major American tech companies directly. He accused them of relying on a lower-cost immigrant workforce. This practice, he argued, bypasses available American tech workers.He cited a striking statistic about Silicon Valley’s demographics. Mitchell claimed the workforce there is roughly two-thirds foreign-born. He described seeing offices with 85-95% Indian nationals, calling it an “Indification.”

Wider Implications for Tech Industry and U.S. Policy

The comments come amid ongoing debates about skilled immigration. According to a March report, 66% of Silicon Valley tech workers are foreign-born. About 23% hail from India and 18% from China, while only 17% were born in California.Mitchell suggested the H-1B system enables ageism in tech. He said companies can replace older, more expensive American workers with younger, cheaper foreign engineers. He claimed this leaves 12 million American tech workers jobless.This perspective aligns with certain political movements seeking to reform work visas. It frames the issue as a direct competition for high-value jobs. The argument elevates the economic weight of a single skilled visa holder.

Top 2025 Christmas Gifts for Dad: Beyond Socks and Whiskey

The debate over H-1B visas remains a heated and divisive topic in American politics. Mitchell’s provocative comparison is likely to fuel further discussion on balancing skilled immigration with domestic job protection. The future of programs for foreign tech workers hangs in the balance.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: What is an H-1B visa?

The H-1B is a U.S. visa for specialty occupations. It allows American companies to employ foreign workers in fields like technology and engineering. The program has an annual cap on the number issued.

Q2: Who is Mark Mitchell?

Mark Mitchell is the head pollster at Rasmussen Reports, a well-known American polling firm. He frequently comments on political and social issues, often from a conservative viewpoint.

Q3: How many H-1B workers are from India?

India is by far the largest recipient of H-1B visas. Reports indicate Indian nationals consistently receive over 70% of all H-1B visas approved each year, dominating the tech sector.

Q4: What was the main point of Mitchell’s argument?

Mitchell argued that deporting a high-skilled H-1B worker has a disproportionate economic impact. He claimed it equals the effect of removing ten unauthorized immigrants, emphasizing the value of these tech jobs.

Q5: Is there data supporting the claim about Silicon Valley’s workforce?

Yes. A March report cited that 66% of technology workers in Silicon Valley are foreign-born. The data shows significant contributions from India and China to the region’s tech industry.