Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Mark Mitchell Calls for 'De-Indianizing' US Tech Workforce
Mark Mitchell, a US pollster, said that sending back one H-1B worker is like sending back 10 people who are in the country illegally.
He thinks these workers are cheaper and take jobs from Americans.
He also said that many tech companies in Silicon Valley hire a lot of foreign workers, especially from India.
Mitchell believes that American workers are replaced because they cost more, including things like health insurance.
He made these comments on a show hosted by Steve Bannon, who used to work for President Trump.
Many people on social media disagreed with him, saying his comments were racist and not true.
They pointed out that H-1B workers are a small part of the US workforce and contribute a lot to the economy.
Mark Mitchell claims one H-1B worker is economically equivalent to 10 undocumented workers.
Silicon Valley's workforce is two-thirds foreign-born, with some locations having 85–95% Indian nationals.
Mitchell alleges that tech companies prefer cheaper foreign labor over American workers.
An H-1B developer earning $90,000 a year is equivalent to 10 undocumented workers earning $9/hour.
Critics accuse Mitchell of racism and xenophobia, citing his remarks as misleading and hateful.
- Who
- Mark Mitchell, CEO of Rasmussen Reports
- What
- Claims that H-1B workers are economically equivalent to 10 undocumented workers and calls for 'de-Indianizing' the US tech workforce
- When
- During an appearance on 'War Room with Steve Bannon' and subsequent social media posts
- Where
- United States, specifically targeting Silicon Valley
- Why
- Alleges that H-1B workers are cheaper and replace American workers, and that companies prefer younger, foreign engineers
Mark Mitchell's Stance
Critics' Stance
H-1B Workers vs. Undocumented Workers
Mark Mitchell's Stance
One H-1B worker is economically equivalent to 10 undocumented workers, making their deportation more impactful.
Critics' Stance
H-1B workers are a small fraction of the US workforce and contribute significantly to the economy.
Foreign Workforce in Tech
Mark Mitchell's Stance
US tech firms should reduce their reliance on Indian professionals to prioritize American workers.
Critics' Stance
The high percentage of foreign-born professionals in tech reflects the global nature of the industry and the skills they bring.
Ageism and Replacement
Mark Mitchell's Stance
Companies prefer younger, cheaper foreign engineers over more expensive American workers with families.
Critics' Stance
Mitchell's claims are driven by personal grievances and do not reflect the broader hiring practices in the tech industry.
- Mark Mitchell
- CEO of Rasmussen Reports, US pollster and political commentator
- H-1B Workers
- Alleged to be economically equivalent to 10 undocumented workers
- Silicon Valley Workforce
- Two-thirds foreign-born, with some locations having 85–95% Indian nationals
- H-1B Developer Salary
- $90,000 per year, equivalent to 10 undocumented workers earning $9/hour
- Foreign-Born Tech Jobs
- 66% of tech jobs in Silicon Valley held by foreign-born professionals
- Indian and Chinese Nationals
- 23% Indian nationals and 18% Chinese among foreign-born tech professionals
- Social Media Backlash
- Critics accuse Mitchell of racism and xenophobia, citing his remarks as misleading and hateful
