US Senator Sparks Outrage After Linking Hyderabad’s Well-known ‘Visa Temple’ to a International ‘Cartel’
3 min learnMight 15, 2026 02:57 PM IST
Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt discovered himself on the centre of a social media storm after he educated his weapons on India’s H-1B visa candidates – and on a temple in Hyderabad – in a sequence of pointed posts on X.
Schmitt, in his posts, alleged that US visa programmes, together with H-1B, L-1, F-1 and Elective Sensible Coaching (OPT), have collectively created what he referred to as a “Visa Cartel,” one which, in accordance with him, actively displaces American employees and suppresses home wages whereas hollowing out the American center class.
“Billions now movement to India for AI coaching as a substitute, subsidised by Individuals,” Schmitt posted on X.
‘Visa Temple’ comment attracts consideration
It was, nevertheless, one specific put up that drew probably the most consideration. Schmitt shared a picture of the Chilkur Balaji Temple in Hyderabad – lengthy and affectionately identified amongst locals because the “Visa Temple” – and folded it into his broader argument in opposition to the visa system.
“The ‘Visa Cartel’ has its personal ‘Visa Temple’ in Hyderabad, which sees 1000’s of Indians circling altars and getting passports blessed for U.S. work visas. American employees shouldn’t need to compete in opposition to a system this gamed,” Schmitt added.
The Chilkur Balaji Temple has, over the a long time, turn into a deeply acquainted landmark for Hyderabad’s pupil and IT skilled group. It’s common observe for visa aspirants to go to the temple earlier than their consulate interviews or earlier than departing for the USA, looking for what devotees consider to be divine favour for his or her functions.
The “Visa Cartel” has its personal “Visa Temple” in Hyderabad, which sees 1000’s of Indians circling altars and getting passports blessed for U.S. work visas.
American employees shouldn’t need to compete in opposition to a system this gamed. pic.twitter.com/k7wSlECTJ6
— Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) Might 13, 2026
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Broader argument
Schmitt didn’t cease on the temple reference. In a separate put up, he alleged that overseas college students – practically half of whom, he famous, are Indian nationals – are handed taxpayer-subsidised work permits, whereas companies sidestep payroll taxes and customary wage protections.
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“They movement into H-1B, then inexperienced playing cards, whereas U.S. grads with debt compete in opposition to cheaper labour,”
Schmitt added.
Taking his argument a step additional, the senator alleged that Indian visa holders flow into confidential interview questions amongst candidates from the identical nation – a declare he supplied with out citing proof – earlier than levelling his sharpest cost on the expertise sector.
“Massive Tech quietly locks out Individuals by routing jobs by means of these pipelines. Advantage is now changed by ethnic favoritism,” the Senator stated.
India dominates H-1B numbers
The remarks come in opposition to a well-established statistical backdrop. India accounts for roughly 70 to 80 per cent of all H-1B visa approvals yearly – a share that dwarfs that of China, which represents roughly 12 per cent. The H-1B programme has lengthy been a topic of political debate in the USA, with critics arguing it undercuts home employees and supporters contending it fills important ability gaps within the American financial system.
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