Nalin Haley, the 24-year-old son of Indian-origin Republican leader Nikki Haley has stirred a major online storm after saying that only people born in the United States should be allowed to hold public office. His comments on immigrants, dual citizenship and visas set off a heated debate, given that his own family history stands in contrast to his remarks.
Nikki Haley’s son sparks row over naturalised citizens’ stance
Nalin Haley, the son of former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, recently appeared on the Tucker Carlson show and suggested that naturalised citizens should not be allowed to hold public office. Nalin, who is 24, said the country “needs leaders who were raised in the culture from birth.” He also called dual citizenship “stupid,” arguing that a person should choose to be American or not at all. And there are so many different aspects to immigration that it’s not just the migration part of it, but a lot of other things that are just out of control. Like what? So, naturalised citizens should not be able to hold public office. Growing up here is a big part of understanding the country,” he said.
He added, “And… We should also not allow dual citizenship because that’s the stupidest idea. You’re either American or you’re not. And everyone wants to make it so complicated. That’s the thing that I don’t like about the past generations. They’re always about the rules, the process and regulation. No, it’s really simple. You’re just America first. People should have their loyalty to America first. And if they can’t do that, then they’ll save the country for you.”
His remarks were widely criticised online, with many pointing out that the United States has always allowed immigrants and their children to enter public life, and that the Constitution blocks only foreign-born people from becoming President, not from holding any other office.
Social media backlash
The backlash online was immediate and intense. Several users pointed out the irony of Nalin’s family background. “America’s so diverse that even our white nationalists are brown.” Another wrote, “even the racism has been outsourced to Indians.” A third wrote, “The irony is wild — his name is from Sanskrit, and he’s lecturing people on who’s ‘American enough.’” One more chimed in, “Nikki Haley’s parents weren’t even US citizens when she was born, and her son is now deciding who counts as American?” “Another nepo baby with nothing to offer except loud opinions.”
This wasn’t the first time Nalin triggered controversy. Just a week earlier, he called for a complete ban on H-1B visas, claiming immigrants were “stealing opportunities” from his American friends. Nalin’s views reached a much bigger audience after he appeared on Tucker Carlson’s Network this week. During the conversation, he repeated several hardline positions, including unproven claims that some foreign students are actually “spies” for other governments and said their numbers should be limited.
He pushed hard for limiting legal immigration during what he called “global mass migration,” arguing that foreigners are taking jobs from Americans. Tucker Carlson, who has often criticised Nikki Haley, said he was glad to host Nalin despite disagreeing with his mother.