ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Have always defended legal immigrants, says lawyer seen in viral video
Brief video excerpt from almost a decade ago has been taken out of context, says Sheela Murthy
-
1747754650.png)
Ishani Duttagupta - Tue, 09, Dec 2025
- 07:16 EST
- 169
Sheela Murthy. / Wikimedia commons
A video that recently went viral featuring immigration lawyer and Harvard Law School alum Sheela Murthy has sparked widespread backlash. The undated clip shows Murthy, who has run a Maryland-based immigration law firm since 1994, speaking at an event for ITServe Alliance, an association largely composed of Indian and Indian American owners of US IT solutions firms.
During her remarks on immigration, Murthy made highly personalized comments, including an explicit call to “kick” President Donald Trump. The statements drew criticism from both Trump supporters and members of the Indian American community.
ITServe Alliance has distanced itself from the video, saying on its website that it is a nonpartisan group that works with all political parties on solutions that support American-owned and American-based businesses.
ALSO READ: Sheela Murthy clashes with MAGA
Murthy, founder and CEO of the Murthy Law Firm, addressed the controversy for the first time in a statement emailed to New India Abroad.
“Attorney Murthy has always been a passionate advocate for the causes she supports, whether in the law, philanthropy, or leadership. She has steadfastly stood up for immigrants who come to this country legally, on proper visas, to work in sectors that are needed by this country and approved by the administration,” the firm said.
The statement added that a brief video excerpt from almost a decade ago was taken out of context from a longer talk on US immigration law and policy delivered to an invited group of business leaders. The clip, it said, resurfaced on a website focused on anti-immigrant rhetoric. “She is an ardent believer in the greatness of the US and the contributions of immigrants who have helped to make this the greatest country on earth.”
The Murthy Law Firm emphasized its support for a fair and transparent immigration system that strengthens the US economy by filling critical skill gaps, driving growth and helping American companies stay competitive when domestic talent is unavailable.
ALSO READ: ITServe Alliance rejects Sheela Murthy’s anti-Trump remarks
ITServe Alliance, in its earlier statement, said: “While some speakers may express different views, they do not represent our organization as a whole and do not represent our leadership’s views. Our organization and leadership are committed to working with President Trump and his administration on common-sense immigration reforms.”
The group added that it has hosted diverse speakers from both parties and that it “stands with President Trump and his administration in stopping illegal immigration and reforming the system with merit-based solutions.”
Several Indian American leaders also criticized the comments in the video. Community leader and former adviser to President Joe Biden, Ajay Bhutoria, said: “As a proud Democrat, I fiercely disagree with Trump’s policies and actions – it’s our duty to call them out. But Sheela Murthy’s recent speech at ITServe Alliance crossed a line with hateful rhetoric that could incite violence against him. Disagree civilly; violence is never the answer.”
Murthy’s official profile notes that she has presented papers and spoken on complex immigration law issues for the American Immigration Lawyers Association and other national and international organizations. She meets with senior consular and USCIS officials to discuss policies and procedures and has served in major community leadership roles, including on the boards of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Stevenson University, ASHA for Women, and the Harvard Law School Dean’s Advisory Council.
Through her work, Murthy has supported hundreds of Indians working in the US on H-1B visas who remain stuck in long green card backlogs, as well as H-4 spouses and Indian-owned companies facing H-1B denials. She has also spoken out on the recent wave of visa revocations affecting Indian students. According to the firm’s website, its mission is to help employers, individuals and families strengthen US institutions by filling critical gaps in the talent pool.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login