JD Vance defends his "slave" remark for H-1B visa holders

US Vice President JD Vance defended his description of H-1B visa workers as "indentured servants" during an event in the state of Michigan. Stating that his remarks did not target immigrants, but rather companies that exploit foreign workers, Vance clarified the controversies surrounding his remarks, which drew reactions from India.

US Vice President JD Vance defended his controversial statements on immigration policies and the H-1B visa program during a CBS News town hall held in Flat Rock, Michigan. Responding to Niv Agaram, who has lived in the US for about 20 years and accused him during the program of "targeting immigrants," Vance acknowledged that there were some flaws in his language, but emphasized that his criticism was directed at the system, not the people. Vance stated, "When I say indentured servant, that's a criticism not of the H-1B visa holder, that's a criticism of a company."

Recalling that he has a mother-in-law and father-in-law who immigrated from southern India, and that his U.S.-born wife, Usha Vance, is the second lady, Vance touched upon his family's roots. Arguing that the immigration system should welcome people who will add value to the country while also being fair to American workers, Vance claimed that employers laid off American workers to bring in cheap foreign labor, making employees dependent on the employer. Meanwhile, the Indian government had previously described Vance's analogy as "untenable" and "deeply disturbing".