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Telugu Journalist says White House visit challenged his expectations
V. Rajinikanth also said that recent U.S. visa and immigration policy changes have created uncertainty among Telugu students and professionals.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 01, Jul 2026
- 03:33 EDT
- 24
V. Rajinikanth / India Abroad
V. Rajinikanth, managing editor of TV9 Network Telugu, said his first visit to the White House challenged his expectations about the size and accessibility of the U.S. president's workplace, while highlighting the strong ties between the Telugu community and the United States and growing concerns over immigration policies affecting Indian professionals and students.
Speaking during an interview with India Abroad on his first visit to the White House, Rajinikanth said he had expected the White House press facilities to be much larger.
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"I thought there is so big White House media rooms or briefing rooms and I thought it's a very big set up here," he said. "But actually we are from Telugu media. I am in Hyderabad. Our Prakriti Bhavan is more than this."
He said he was more impressed by the building's security procedures and accessibility than its size.
"We can't, in our states and chief ministers, we can't stay near to their office also. This is the President's office, most powerful in the world. We are in front of President's office. That is very nice."
Rajinikanth also said the security process was efficient and did not interfere with visitors' experience.
"There is security though, but it doesn't pinch into those who are visiting," he said, adding that visitors could move around freely after completing security checks.
Reflecting on the relationship between the Telugu-speaking community and the United States, Rajinikanth said Andhra Pradesh and Telangana share strong social and economic connections with the country because of the large number of Telugu-origin professionals living there.
"Most of our young graduates and most of our people live in USA, especially doctors and software engineers," he said. "We have an emotional bonding and we have a good rapport with America."
He said U.S. companies also generate employment opportunities in Hyderabad, strengthening those ties.
Asked why large numbers of people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana enter the U.S. technology sector, Rajinikanth attributed it to education, hard work and a willingness to pursue opportunities abroad.
"Our people are highly educated, highly hard workers," he said. "People go for opportunities and grab opportunities."
Rajinikanth said the Telugu diaspora has established communities across the United States, making it easier for new arrivals to settle. During his recent travels, he said he found Indian food readily available wherever he went.
Turning to immigration, Rajinikanth said recent U.S. visa and immigration policy changes have created uncertainty among Telugu students and professionals.
"There is a lot of impact and a lot of worrying and insecurity," he said, referring particularly to graduate students and employees. He added that many families are worried about job security.
"Every Thursday is a nightmare for many Telugu people working here," he said. "So, 100% there is a problem for Telugu people."
Rajinikanth also said leaders and delegations from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana frequently visit the United States because of the large Telugu population in cities including Dallas, Houston and parts of New Jersey. He said many such visits focus on tourism, networking and engaging with the diaspora rather than U.S. politics, describing community gatherings as a reflection of Telugu culture.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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