US DHS criticized over poster mentioning ‘Mr. Singh’
In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a poster on social media platform X as part of an immigration campaign, drawing criticism from Indian American and Sikh advocacy organizations. In the image, styled after the “Transformers” franchise, Optimus Prime wearing a DHS patch addresses a bearded man in a bandana, calling him “Mr. Singh” and saying that he cannot drive. This was reported by NDTV World.
DHS campaign
The poster is part of Donald Trump administration’s campaign urging people who are in the United States illegally to leave the country voluntarily. DHS promotes it under the slogan “Self-deport or find out.”
The agency also released a short video featuring Megatron, a “Transformers” character. In the clip, he negotiates the release of “aliens,” a term the US administration uses for foreign nationals. The video mentions truck drivers Harjinder Singh, Rajinder Kumar, Bekzhan Beishekeev, Akhror Bozorov, and Jasveer Singh. DHS linked them to road accidents and other crimes.
In one post, DHS said it would protect the country, “Americanism,” and its home from those who, in the agency’s wording, approach the nation with hostile intent.
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Reaction from organizations
The Hindu American Foundation said that the surname Singh is borne by Hindus, Sikhs, and Americans, and called the DHS publication racist, un-American, and anti-Indian profiling. The organization also said it would support an investigation into the post.
The Sikh Coalition stressed that 25 years after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Sikhs are still targeted and profiled because of their appearance. The organization noted that millions of Sikhs in the United States have the surname Singh, which means “lion.”
The controversy arose amid DHS promotion of the CBP Home program, under which eligible undocumented people can report their intention to leave the United States voluntarily. According to the agency, registered participants may receive travel assistance and a payment of $2,600.
