Frisco's Indian-American Councilman Breaks Silence on H-1B Donor Controversy
Burt Thakur, who made history as the first Indian-American elected to the Frisco City Council in 2025, has publicly addressed the recent scrutiny his council faced regarding H-1B visa holders and campaign donors of Indian origin. The controversy emerged after a video featuring activist Marc Palasciano questioning the mayor and council members went viral on social media platforms.
Viral Activist Questioning Sparks Debate
In the widely circulated video, activist Marc Palasciano directly challenged the Frisco City Council about their campaign donors with Indian surnames who reportedly do not reside within the city limits. Palasciano raised pointed questions about why numerous individuals of Indian descent with addresses outside Frisco would contribute to local political campaigns if they weren't expecting something in return. This line of questioning brought attention to the broader social media discourse about what some have termed the 'Texas takeover by H-1B' workers.
Thakur's Firm Response on H-1B Authority
In an exclusive interview with The Dallas Express, Councilman Thakur clarified his position regarding the H-1B visa program. "H-1B is something that I have no control of," Thakur stated unequivocally. "That's a USCIS issue. That's a federal government [responsibility]." The councilman emphasized that as a local elected official, he possesses no authority over federal immigration matters, including the H-1B visa program administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Thakur further expressed his willingness to undergo scrutiny if any legitimate concerns exist. "I really would have no problem with any federal agency coming in and doing an audit," he asserted. "And if things are found that are illegal ... I'll be the first supporter and the biggest supporter of those agencies coming in and being able to do their job." According to official USCIS database records, the Frisco City Council does not directly employ any H-1B visa workers, providing factual context to the discussion.
Defending Indian Donors and Addressing Implications
Regarding the questions about campaign donors of Indian heritage, Thakur responded with both pride and principle. He expressed "very proud" sentiments about his donors while firmly asserting that campaign contributions do not translate to control or influence over administrative decisions. The councilman explained that as a local candidate, he lacks access to immigration status or business visa usage data and therefore does not vet donors based on these criteria.
"If people have done stuff legally ... it's something that is their right to do," Thakur emphasized, addressing the broader implications of the questioning. He found it particularly offensive to suggest that the mere presence of Indian residents in political processes could be problematic. In a powerful rhetorical challenge, Thakur asked, "Please, feel free to tell me what percentage of the population is allowed to be Indian," highlighting what he perceives as discriminatory undertones in the line of questioning.
Broader Context and Political Implications
This incident occurs against the backdrop of increasing discussions about:
- The role of immigrant communities in American political processes
- Concerns about foreign influence in local elections
- The intersection of immigration policy and political participation
- Representation of Indian-Americans in municipal governance
Thakur's response represents a significant moment for Indian-American political representation in Texas, particularly in rapidly growing cities like Frisco where demographic shifts have created new political dynamics. His election in 2025 marked a milestone for the community, making his handling of this controversy particularly noteworthy for observers of diaspora politics and local governance.
The councilman's statements reflect a careful balancing act between defending his constituents and donors while acknowledging legitimate concerns about political transparency. His emphasis on legal compliance and openness to audits demonstrates an approach that seeks to address concerns without conceding to what he views as unfair characterizations of his community's political participation.
