Exposing Fraud and Challenges in the H-1B Visa Program

Indian-American diplomat Mahvash Siddiqui has alleged large-scale fraud in the H-1B visa program, claiming that a significant portion of work visas granted to Indian nationals were obtained through fraudulent means. Speaking on a podcast, Siddiqui shared that during her tenure as a consular officer at the US Consulate in Chennai between 2005 and 2007, she witnessed rampant misuse of the H-1B program.

Siddiqui explained that the consulate processed tens of thousands of non-immigrant visas, including over 220,000 H-1B and 140,000 H-4 visas in 2024 alone. She believes 80–90% of these visas granted to Indians were fraudulent and based on fake documents or unqualified applicants.

Speaking in a personal capacity, she challenged the idea that the US faces a shortage of STEM professionals requiring mass hiring from India. She stated that a dissent cable outlining widespread fraud was sent to the Secretary of State, but it was ignored due to political pressure. Their attempts to address the issue were branded a “rogue operation.”

Siddiqui also alleged that several politicians had a role in avoiding investigations and that political appeasement influenced decisions. She further claimed that during her time in Chennai, applicants often skipped interviews when US officials were present, and proxy candidates were routinely used. Bribery, especially in regions like Hyderabad, was reportedly common.

With Indians accounting for about 70% of all H-1B visa recipients in 2024, Siddiqui’s allegations have reignited discussions over visa integrity and abuse.

H-1B visa, Mahvash Siddiqui, visa fraud, US consulate Chennai, Indian visa applicants