American Independence Day is usually marked by celebrations of national identity, but this year's holiday also brought renewed arguments over immigration and citizenship. MAGA influencer Elijah Schaffer, who has previously drawn criticism for his comments about Indians, posted a video outside a Hindu temple in Frisco, Texas, where he questioned the meaning of American identity after the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld birthright citizenship.
Referring to children outside the temple, Schaffer argued that being born in the United States should not automatically make someone American if their parents were in the country on temporary visas or held Green Cards. His remarks quickly spread online and prompted criticism from members of the Indian community, who accused him of targeting Indian children while using the Fourth of July to push an anti-immigration message. The comments have once again placed Schaffer at the centre of controversy over his views on immigration and Indian Americans.
