Frisco Residents Divided Over H-1B Visas and 'Indian Takeover' at City Council Meeting

Frisco City Council members don't have authority over the federally controlled H-1B visa program, but it is a hot topic in Texas.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:15pm

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Frisco City Council meeting saw a packed house as residents discussed alleged fraud in the H-1B visa program and the growing number of immigrants on H-1B visas in the city. Some residents claimed the influx of South Asian immigrants on H-1B visas amounted to an 'Indian takeover' of Frisco, while others defended the contributions of the Indian American community. City leaders struck a unifying tone, emphasizing that Frisco welcomes all who choose to call it home.

Why it matters

The debate over H-1B visas in Frisco reflects a broader national conversation about legal immigration pathways and demographic shifts in communities. While Frisco City Council members don't have direct authority over the federal H-1B program, the issue has become a flashpoint for discussions around immigration, economic impacts, and community identity.

The details

At the Frisco City Council meeting, residents both criticized and defended the H-1B visa program. Some speakers, wearing 'America First' hats, argued the program has harmed their economic prospects and changed the character of the region. Others, like Indian American resident Muni Janagarajan, spoke about how the Indian American community views Frisco as a place to invest long-term and contribute positively. Combat veteran Shanthan Toodi disagreed with framing the issue as an 'Indian takeover,' saying perpetrators of H-1B fraud should be held accountable but that entire ethnic communities should not be blamed.

  • The Frisco City Council meeting took place on February 3, 2026.
  • Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said state universities and agencies cannot file for new H-1B visas until May 31, 2027.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who announced a ban on state universities and agencies filing for new H-1B visas until 2027.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who announced an investigation into three North Texas businesses over alleged H-1B visa fraud.

Marc Palasciano

A Richardson activist who posted about the Frisco City Council meeting on social media and is a critic of the H-1B visa program.

Muni Janagarajan

An Indian American resident of Frisco who spoke about how the Indian American community views the city as a place to invest long-term and contribute positively.

Shanthan Toodi

A combat veteran and Indian American resident of Frisco who disagreed with framing the issue as an 'Indian takeover.'

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What they’re saying

“There's potential visa fraud here.”

— Marc Palasciano, Richardson activist

“When lifelong residents voice concern, we're told our discomfort is bigotry. Temporary visas are only temporary until loopholes like birthright citizenship are exploited and roots take hold through chain migration.”

— Dylan Law

“When entire ethnic communities are spoken about as a problem … we stop talking about policy and we start drifting into collective blame.”

— Shanthan Toodi, Combat veteran

“Other than a handful of native Frisconians … Every one of us is from somewhere else. When you choose to call Frisco home … it will always be our mission that you feel welcome here and you feel safe here.”

— Jeff Cheney, Mayor of Frisco

“I understand there's a lot of people who are upset the American Dream has been stolen from … you. Everybody in this room is full of love … we may approach it in a different way, but we're [all] Americans.”

— Burt Thakur, Frisco City Council member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This debate over H-1B visas in Frisco highlights the complex and divisive nature of immigration policy in the United States. While some residents see the influx of South Asian immigrants as a threat, others recognize the valuable contributions of the Indian American community. The challenge will be finding ways to address legitimate concerns about the H-1B program while also promoting unity and inclusion within the Frisco community.