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New Delhi: US politician Chandler Langevin is facing intense backlash and a formal censure from the city council for a series of inflammatory social media posts advocating for the mass deportation of Indians.
The Florida lawmaker's remarks, which include claims that Indians are here to "exploit us financially" and that "there's not a single Indian that cares about the United States," have ignited a firestorm of criticism.
The city council's censure, enacted on Saturday, carries significant consequences for Langevin. He will now require a consensus from the council before proposing any items for the agenda, is barred from making commissioner comments, and has been removed from all committees, the Washington Post reported. This action highlights the severity of the outrage triggered by his xenophobic rhetoric.
Langevin's controversial statements, disseminated across social media platforms, targeted Indians. In one post, he declared, "They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians. America for Americans."
Following the ensuing backlash, Langevin attempted to clarify his position, asserting that his comments were directed at temporary visa holders rather than the broader Indian American community.
However, this clarification did little to quell the controversy. In another post, Langevin accused Indians of "taking advantage of America," referencing a fatal crash in Stockton where an India-born individual was charged in connection with the deaths of three people. His rhetoric escalated on October 2nd, when he used his birthday wish on X (formerly Twitter) to call on US President Donald Trump to "revoke every Indian visa and deport them immediately."
"Today is my birthday and all I want is for @realDonaldTrump to revoke every Indian visa and deport them immediately. America for Americans," he wrote on X.
Speaking to reporters, Langevin further alleged that Indians in the US are solely focused on "draining the pockets" of Americans and are not interested in assimilation, stating, "Indians don't assimilate. They're here to drain our pockets and get back to India rich… or worse… to stay."
In a more recent post on October 18th, Langevin claimed to have engaged in dialogue with "conservative Hindu groups" across Florida, suggesting that some were coming to realise that "mass immigration into America, even from India, is hurting them as well." He indicated a belief that these groups might be willing to "leverage their influence to help save America." He controversially added that he would prioritise saving "a few Shashi's" over "hordes of Islamists, commies, cartels, and indentured servants stealing American jobs."
"Some of you may not agree and that is ok, but I have been travelling the state of Florida the past two week,s engaging in dialogue with conservative Hindu groups. Many are coming around to realize that mass immigration into America, even from India, is hurting them as well and are willing to leverage their influence to help save America," he wrote on X.
In response to Langevin's pronouncements, numerous Indian American organisations nationwide have condemned his remarks and publicly demanded his resignation. Langevin, however, has criticized the city council's censure, asserting that it infringes upon his right to free speech.
