Washington: An advertisement released under US President Donald Trump’s administration against illegal immigrants has triggered a major controversy, drawing accusations of racism.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has tightened immigration rules and stepped up efforts to deport undocumented migrants. In that backdrop, the US Department of Homeland Security produced an ad styled like the Hollywood film Transformers.
The video reportedly depicts the franchise’s iconic robot character, Optimus Prime, shown with an American emblem, confronting a bearded man portrayed with an Indian appearance. The ad also includes lines such as “America is for Americans,” and a taunt aimed at “Mr Singh,” suggesting he does not know how to drive.
Sikh and Indian groups have objected, saying the portrayal fuels prejudice against the community. The controversy is heightened by the fact that many large-truck drivers in the US are Sikh immigrants from India, and the administration is said to be pursuing deportations more aggressively.
