Former U.S. Representative and economist Dave Brat has alleged significant fraud in the H-1B visa program. During a podcast discussion, Brat claimed that the system had been overtaken by large-scale abuse, particularly involving visa applications from India. He highlighted that one district in India, Madras, reportedly received around 220,000 H-1B visas—more than double the annual cap set by Congress, which stands at 85,000.
Brat pointed out that 71% of H-1B visas are granted to Indian nationals, while only 12% go to Chinese applicants. He suggested this discrepancy indicates manipulation. He further warned that fraudulent visa holders are displacing American workers, threatening their jobs, homes, and economic security. According to him, many of the individuals admitted under the program are not genuinely skilled, as claimed.
Adding to these concerns, Indian-American diplomat Mahvash Siddiqui, who served at the U.S. consulate in Chennai, echoed similar allegations. She stated that during her tenure, 80% to 90% of H-1B visas issued to Indians involved fraud. She claimed many applications were supported by fake degrees, forged documents, or were submitted by unqualified candidates.
These claims come amid a broader tightening of immigration policies in the U.S., especially under former President Donald Trump’s administration, which aimed to curb both illegal and legal immigration through stricter regulations and enforcement.
