Indian-Born Republican Challenging Pramila Jayapal Backs Microsoft Green Card Suspension, Proposes Separate Quota for Tech Workers

WASHINGTON– Nirav Sheth, an Indian-born Republican challenging Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal in Washington’s 7th Congressional District, has backed the suspension of Microsoft’s green card sponsorship while calling for a separate immigration quota for highly skilled technology professionals.

Sheth, who was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, expressed support for the Trump administration’s position despite the large number of Indian-origin technology workers employed by Microsoft in his district.

“Yes, I do support that. I do support President Trump’s and… Vice President Vance’s decision,” Sheth said in an interview ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Sheth accused third-party recruitment agencies of exploiting the U.S. immigration system, arguing that some applicants have used loopholes to obtain permanent residency ahead of qualified professionals who have waited years for green cards.

He said some workers with professional certifications have waited 10 to 15 years for permanent residency while others have allegedly found ways to move through the system more quickly.

“The immigration fraud is the major concern right now,” Sheth said, describing current immigration policies as “a tip of the iceberg”.

Asked whether technology companies such as Microsoft, Adobe and Infosys were involved in immigration fraud, Sheth declined to comment.

“It’s an ongoing investigation. I will not give a statement which gonna scrutinize either policy itself or the company,” he said.

Despite supporting the green card sponsorship suspension, Sheth called for major reforms to address the longstanding immigration backlog affecting Indian technology professionals and their families.

Sheth, who arrived in the United States as an international student in 2008, said eliminating per-country limits on employment-based green cards was a possibility.

“It can be doable,” he said when asked whether he would support removing those restrictions.

“We must not punish the hardworking legal professionals who play by every rule,” Sheth said, adding that existing backlogs leave skilled immigrants and their families “in a legal limbo right here. It’s not fair.”

He proposed establishing a separate green card quota for highly skilled professionals directly employed by major technology companies, including Microsoft, Adobe and Facebook.

The proposal would particularly benefit workers who have spent five to 10 years or longer in the United States.

Sheth said he would push for the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate directly with employers on immigration matters, reducing dependence on third-party recruitment agencies.

The Republican candidate also acknowledged that he faces an uphill battle against Jayapal, a prominent progressive Democrat who received approximately 84% of the vote in Washington’s August primary.

Sheth secured 10.6% of the primary vote and offered a candid assessment of his prospects in the general election.

“Probably 20%. I know I’m not gonna win, I know that,” he said when asked about his realistic electoral goal.

Nevertheless, Sheth said he intends to continue campaigning and plans to challenge Jayapal again in two years.

“This is just trying to spread the message that I will not give up my fight. I will run again in two years,” he said.

Comparing his campaign to the biblical confrontation between David and Goliath, Sheth portrayed himself as the underdog challenging an established political figure.

“Oh, she’s Goliath. I mean, I’m the David,” he said.

Sheth also criticized Jayapal’s record of engagement with Indian American voters but stopped short of describing the Chennai-born congresswoman as anti-India.

“I will not say she’s anti-Indian… She’s anti-American, and I can confirm that,” he said.

He claimed Indian American community leaders had been unable to identify major initiatives undertaken by Jayapal specifically benefiting the community.

“When it comes to the Indian community, I haven’t seen anything or I haven’t heard anything from her,” Sheth said.

He said one of the few examples he could identify was Jayapal’s social media post concerning the H-1B visa crackdown involving Microsoft.

Sheth also claimed that some Indian American voters, particularly Punjabi and Gujarati residents in Kent, Washington, were becoming more receptive to Republican candidates.

“I’ve talked to so many Indian voters, especially in Kent,” he said. “I think they’re gonna move with the… Republican voting.”

Beyond immigration, Sheth accused Jayapal of concentrating on President Donald Trump and national political disputes while neglecting issues affecting Seattle residents.

He identified homelessness, drug overdose deaths, crime and challenges facing small businesses as major concerns.

Sheth said his personal experience as a business owner had influenced his political priorities. He claimed he closed an Italian restaurant last year because of repeated break-ins and other difficulties.

He also criticized Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act, claiming it adds $1.27 per gallon to gasoline prices.

Born and raised in Ahmedabad, Sheth moved to the United States in 2008 to pursue higher education. He studied in Orlando, Florida, and at the University of Massachusetts before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 2011.

“This is how I got my citizenship,” he said, referring to his military service.

Sheth subsequently worked as a police officer in Washington state but resigned after experiencing hearing loss in one ear.

He later entered business and currently owns five companies, including automotive repair centers and a credit card processing firm.

Discussing Trump’s first two years of his second presidential term, Sheth praised the administration’s economic performance.

He described the American economy as thriving but acknowledged concerns about gasoline prices and the war with Iran.

On relations between Washington and New Delhi, Sheth offered a cautious outlook, saying it would be “interesting to see” how ties between the United States and India develop.

Although he considers victory in November unlikely, Sheth said he intends to continue his political efforts and return for another congressional campaign in two years. (Source: IANS)