**Why Trump’s Photo with the Physics Olympiad Team is Causing a Furore**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 23, 2025, 8:00 PM*
A recent photograph of US President Donald Trump with the 2025 US Physics Olympiad team has sparked a heated debate surrounding immigration policies and the principle of meritocracy.
The image, shared by Trump’s assistant Michael Kratsios on X, features Trump alongside five immigrant-origin students who each won gold medals at the International Physics Olympiad in July. This achievement marked the team’s greatest performance in its history, drawing both admiration and controversy.
**Policy Backlash: Highlighting Contradictions**
The photo has brought renewed attention to Trump’s immigration stance, particularly his decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applicants. Critics argue that such policies could impede America’s ability to attract talented individuals who contribute significantly to the country’s scientific and technological advancements.
Social media users quickly pointed out the apparent contradiction. One remarked, “This picture alone should be enough to explain why the H-1B program is important for the US.” Another commented, “LOL! Zero ‘ethnic white Americans’ on the physics team. One Russian, one Indian, and the rest Chinese—all non-white, immigrants from the three most maligned countries in this country.”
**Meet the Team**
The five stellar members of the US Physics Olympiad team are Agastya Goel, Allen Li, Joshua Wang, Feodor Yevtushenko, and Brian Zhang.
Among them, Agastya Goel, an Indian-origin student, has drawn particular attention. His father is a Harvard professor, and Agastya himself studies at Henry M Gunn High School in Palo Alto, California. Beyond physics, he is actively involved in school activities including tennis and choir.
**Defense of H-1B Policy**
Despite the backlash, Trump’s H-1B visa policy has been defended by key administration officials. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that the policy aims to protect American jobs by discouraging companies from relying on foreign workers when American workers can be trained instead.
Meanwhile, White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf clarified that the new rules will only admit the most highly skilled foreign workers who cannot be replaced by Americans, maintaining a focus on merit and job protection.
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This photo and the discussions around it underscore the ongoing tensions between immigration policy and meritocracy in the US — especially in sectors driven by exceptional talent and achievement.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-s-pic-with-physics-olympiad-team-sparks-debate-on-immigration/story
