MAGA supporter and junior senator for Missouri, Eric Schmitt, has recently gained traction on social media, but not for his legislative work. Instead, he has joined a wave of influencers attacking the H-1B visa programme and calling for its ban, targeting Indian immigrants to gain MAGA support.
In a post rapidly gaining traction on X (formerly Twitter), Schmitt referred to Indians as a "visa cartel" and claimed they visit a "visa temple" in Hyderabad to "get blessed for US work visas."
"American workers shouldn't have to compete against a system this gamed. Enough. We must end the fraud, shut down these networks, close the loopholes, and ensure we serve American workers," he wrote.
According to Schmitt, the cartel is an interconnected system involving universities, outsourcing firms, recruiters, and certain tech companies that systematically favour foreign workers over Americans. "Big tech companies have laid off thousands of U.S. workers while filling thousands of H-1B requests for identical roles. 82% of those foreign hires came in below median wages. BILLIONS now flow to India for AI training instead, subsidised by Americans," he claimed. "This is part of a global 'visa cartel.' Networks recruit overseas, lie on resumes, file petitions, and treat workers like cattle."
He also alleged that Indian immigrants use F-1 and L-1 visas to continue their fraud and support others seeking to move to the US.
The Alleged 'Visa Temple'
The US Senator shared an example of how the H-1B system is being 'gamed' by the so-called visa cartel. The image he posted was of the Chilkur Balaji Temple, described by the Wall Street Journal in a 2025 report as the "visa temple" of India. The outlet noted that devotees flock to the temple believing its deity will help them secure employment or educational offers abroad. Some carry their passports to the temple in hopes of the lord fulfilling their wishes. Schmitt has consistently voiced objections to the H-1B programme and other visa programmes allowing foreigners to work in the US.
Social Media Reactions
For MAGA Indians, immigration is not just about job loss or injustice; it is about community, particularly the Hindu community. Since Hindus make up the majority of Indian-origin immigrants in the US, they are heavily targeted. From online doxing to visiting homes and even temples, MAGA influencers and white supremacists have exploited every angle to fear-monger and disinform about the community.
Thus, a US Senator attacking a Hindu temple in India did not sit well with netizens. One user wrote: "If someone goes and prays in a temple that causes the visa officer to stamp the visa? Is there a direct connection from the temple to the US consulate? What nonsense are you posting. I hope you MAGA turds lose the mid terms. Shame on you for amplifying hate."
Another added: "I can't believe a sitting US senator is so racist and bigot to instigate hate against a community, Hindus & Indians. What a low @SenEricSchmitt. Shame on you! Reflect on yourself idiot! Don't pander to racists on X. They are fake, real voters do not forgive you."
A third commented: "You are a racist bigot who doesn't understand what temple is for… You are a disgrace and represent the worst of American politics…"
