US Senator Eric Schmitt, a vocal critic of the H-1B visa and Optional Practical Training (OPT), targeted India's Chilkur Balaji temple in his latest tirade against visa fraud. He claimed American workers should not have to compete against a system that is 'gamed' and includes a 'cartel and a temple'. Indians pushed back, condemning Schmitt for calling a temple part of a game while devotees simply pray for their US visas at the famed temple near Hyderabad.
Schmitt's Accusations
Schmitt's comments drew on various sources, including a GB News documentary on H-1B and a Chinese-American professor's lawsuit against Texas' Southern Methodist University, alleging that the Indian-origin head of department favors Indians for tenure. 'Big tech companies have laid off thousands of US 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, subsidized by Americans,' Schmitt wrote.
He described this as part of a global 'visa cartel', where networks recruit overseas, lie on resumes, file petitions, and treat workers like cattle. 'Shell companies and kickback schemes funnel cheap, visa-dependent labor into US jobs while Americans get passed over,' he said, citing reports. Schmitt also highlighted how little-known L-1 visas have become a big business for the cartel, with applications growing.
F-1 Visas as 'Silent Job Killers'
Schmitt continued, 'F-1 visas are a silent job killer too. Foreign students (India accounted for almost half) get taxpayer-subsidized work permits, corporations get no payroll taxes or wage rules. They flow into H-1B, then green cards, while US grads with debt compete against cheaper labor.' He added, 'The 'Visa Cartel' has its own 'Visa Temple' in Hyderabad, which sees thousands of Indians circling altars and getting passports blessed for US work visas. American workers shouldn't have to compete against a system this gamed.'
Concluding his rant, Schmitt said, 'Enough. We must end the fraud, shutdown these networks, close the loopholes, and ensure we serve American workers.'
What is the 'Visa Temple'?
Chilkur Balaji temple in Telangana, near Hyderabad, is known as the 'visa temple' as many devotees visit with their visa wishes. It is also called the 'visa god' due to this practice. However, Schmitt's characterization of a Hindu temple as part of a cartel did not sit well with Indians. They questioned how it is different from Christians praying for something in church.
'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,' one user wrote. Another said, 'Is this any different from Christians praying for their dear wishes? ...When US visa has 100 yr wait while H1B folks are slogging away to make America great, the simplest action is to pray!'
A third user indignantly reacted, '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.'
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