Trump agrees hate killed Indian techie
Last week's shooting in Kansas city reminds us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil
US President Donald Trump has finally denounced the killing of an Indian techie in Kansas saying the nation condemns “hate and evil”. Trump began his State of the Union address on Tuesday night by referring to racism and bias crimes, including the killing of Srinivas Kuchibhotla last week and the threats against Jewish institutions and desecration of their cemeteries.
“Last week's shooting in Kansas city reminds us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms,” the President said. Later, briefing the media after Trump’s speech, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sander said: "The President is keeping the family of the victim, who was senselessly killed, in his thoughts, and we're praying for the full and speedy recovery of those who were wounded.”
“As it begins to look like this was an act of racially-motivated hatred, we want to reiterate that the President condemns these and any other racially — or religiously — motivated attacks in the strongest terms." Sander said.
Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and his colleague Alok Mada-sani was injured when US Navy veteran Adam W. Purinton fired at them at the Austin's Bar and Grill in Olathe near Kansas on February 22. Purinton reportedly got into an argument with the two and hurled racial slurs. Before opening fire, Purinton reportedly yelled, “Get out of my country.”
Trump, during his address, took on his political foes who have been saying that the President is insensitive to racism and bigotry, saying, “We are reminded of our Nation's path toward civil rights and the work that still remains… Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice — in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present. That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart.”
Anxiety among Indian immigrants in the US over the proposed tightening of work visa rules under the Trump administration has been compounded by fears in the wake of the fatal shooting of an Indian engineer in Kansas.
Indians on H1B visas, many of whom have been living in the country for nearly a decade and are awaiting approval for their green cards, are now uncertain about their fate given the slew of legislations being introduced in the US Congress and proposed executive orders, calling for overhaul of the visa programme that allows companies to hire foreign workers, majority in the technological field.
Adding to the unease is the tragic incident in Kansas where 32-year-old Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed when US Navy veteran Adam Purinton opened fire at him and his friend Alok Madasani before yelling “get out of my country”.
Venkatesh, a 34-year engineer working in an IT company, said he has been living in the US for 10 years now and was close to getting his green card approval.
The father of two, who asked his last name not be used for the article nor the name of his company fearing repercussions, told PTI he is not sure if he will get his green card as the Trump administration’s imminent crackdown on the work visa programme.
He said he and his wife, who is a doctor, are contemplating whether they should move back to India as they do not want uncertainty of living in the US hamper their children’s education. Venkatesh further said that Kuchibhotla’s killing has added to the atmosphere of fear and unease among the community.
“We are now concerned for the safety of our children. The tragedy in Kansas is making our worst fears come true,” he said.
He added that parents and families back home of several of his Indian friends and colleagues are worried about their safety in the US.
“We hope the situation here improves soon. We all have built a life for ourselves in the US and don’t want to live in constant fear and uncertainty,” he said. Like Venkatesh, several Indians still awaiting their green cards, are looking at working on an alternative plan in case they lose their jobs and have to leave the country.
Another Indian software engineer in New Jersey, who requested anonymity, said he has put several key life decisions on hold given the uncertain and fearful environment in America. He said he has postponed buying a house and worries about his threeyear-old girl’s education.
“We cannot live with the uncertainty for the next 10 years over when and whether our green card will be approved or what will happen to our work visas. We have to think about our child’s future and don’t want her education to suffer because of the uncertainty over where we will eventually live,” he said, adding that moving back to India or any other country will also require extensive planning and resources. Some Indians here say they are ready to move back to India, where they can create a successful life and will be close to family as well.
Anita Kumar, the wife of an Indian database manager, is not able to work in the US since she is on an H-4 dependent visa.
Kumar says in the eventuality that her husband has to return to India, she will be able to join the workforce and focus on her career as well.
“Given the uncertain environment in the US, we cannot afford to be rigid and not think of alternatives. India now offers tremendous opportunities and we will not have to live with the perpetual uncertainty and anxiety of one day being asked to leave the country,” Kumar said.
Indians on H1B visas, many of whom have been living in the country for nearly a decade, are now uncertain about their fate