Razib Khan's Tweet Links H1B Visas to 'Elite Replacement' Theory, Sparks Controversy

Population geneticist and writer Razib Khan recently ignited debate with a social media post asserting the reality of "H1B and fear of elite replacement." In the tweet, Khan further claimed, "East Asians don't have similar personality traits so are not as annoying, for example," a statement that drew immediate scrutiny for its generalizing nature. The remarks intertwine discussions around immigration policy with a theory often associated with far-right ideologies.

The H1B visa program, established by the Immigration Act of 1990, allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher. Designed to address labor shortages in fields like technology and engineering, the program has a cap of 65,000 new visas annually, with an additional 20,000 for those with U.S. master's degrees or higher. Critics argue the H1B program can depress wages for American workers and facilitate the outsourcing of jobs, while proponents emphasize its role in attracting global talent and fostering innovation.

Khan's mention of "elite replacement" directly references the "Great Replacement Theory," a debunked white nationalist conspiracy theory. This theory posits that Western elites are deliberately orchestrating the demographic and cultural replacement of white populations with non-white immigrants, often from Muslim-majority countries, through mass migration and differential birth rates. Originating with French author Renaud Camus in 2011, the theory has gained traction among far-right and white supremacist movements globally, inspiring acts of violence, including mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, and El Paso, Texas. Scholars widely dismiss these claims as rooted in a misunderstanding of demographics and a racist worldview.

Razib Khan, a Bangladeshi-American writer in population genetics and consumer genomics, is known for his work exploring the intersection of genetics, history, and human evolution. He has contributed to various publications, including The Guardian and National Review, and maintains a popular Substack. However, Khan has also faced controversy; in 2015, The New York Times ended his short-term contract after journalists highlighted his past support for the belief that some races are biologically more intelligent than others, published in outlets like Taki's Magazine and VDARE.

The inclusion of a subjective and broad generalization about "East Asian personality traits" in Khan's tweet adds another layer of contention. Such statements, lacking scientific basis, can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to inter-group animosity. The tweet underscores the ongoing tension between discussions of immigration policy, demographic change, and the spread of theories often linked to extremist narratives, particularly when articulated by figures with scientific credentials.