Mindvalley’s Indian-origin CEO Vishen Lakhiani claimed he was stopped by the FBI at the Miami airport in the United States despite holding an O-1 visa, which is usually screened for people with extraordinary talent.
Lakhiani, an Indian-Malaysian executive, was forced to share his WhatsApp number and social media profiles despite being the CEO of an American company.
“I flew to America and was stopped by the FBI at the airport even though I have an O-1 visa, which is a visa for people with extraordinary talent,” Mindvalley’s CEO said in an Instagram post accompanied by a video.
Indian-origin CEO accuses US of xenophobia
Vishen Lakhiani has accused American politicians of spreading xenophobia and blaming immigrants, saying they are now afraid to visit the country.
“I really can’t wait for the next election because what’s going on in America right now is crazy. Fear-mongering, xenophobia, immigrant-blaming by politicians with no idea how to make this a truly great country,” he said.
“I wanted to share my experience here and share what it’s like to see the country I love become so closed and narrow-minded that I’m afraid to visit now,” Lakhiani added.
He said he was the CEO of an American company with 230 employees worldwide and had been paying American taxes for the past 22 years.
How did the internet react?
The Indian-origin CEO’s post has gone viral on social media, sparking debate about policies, airport screening and the broader political scenario in the US right now.
Many users could identify with Lakhiani’s experience, with immigrants and other citizens who shared their experiences.
“You’re right Vishen…xenophobic. This is not good. This is not the USA we knew here so many years ago,” said one user.
“No one deserves to be profiled, questioned or stopped just because of who they are. Moments like this remind us how far we still have to go as a country. We must choose to see each other with humanity, celebrate our differences, honor our similarities and stand together for dignity and respect. Your voice and your work continue to inspire so many of us. I am sending you strength here today and today is not the same as what is happening to my country.” commented another US citizen who is an immigrant.
“I love America but I have decided not to visit for the next few years because racial profiling is real,” wrote a third user.
