The Republican senator from Missouri attacked the US employment-based visa system, alleging it suppresses local wages and creates a global "Visa Cartel" that displaces American workers
US senator Eric Schmitt targets Hyderabad’s 'Visa Temple' in H‑1B criitique
US senator accuses H-1B visa programmes of fuelling a 'Visa Cartel', claiming it undercuts American workers; Hyderabad’s Chilkur Balaji Temple under fire
US Senator Eric Schmitt stirred controversy online after criticising Hyderabad’s Chilkur Balaji Temple — popularly known as the “Visa Temple” — while attacking the H-1B visa programme.
In a series of posts on X, the Republican senator from Missouri lashed out at the US employment-based visa system, accusing it of driving down local wages and fostering a global “Visa Cartel” that sidelines American workers. He argued that programmes such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are eroding the American middle class.
“Billions now flow to India for AI training, subsidised by Americans,” Schmitt wrote on X.
'Visa temple'
To underscore his point, he posted a photo of Hyderabad’s Chilkur Balaji Temple — which he labelled a “Visa Temple” — claiming that Indians and the so‑called “Visa Cartel” pray there for successful visa approvals.
On X, Senator Eric Schmitt claimed that the “Visa Cartel” has its own “Visa Temple” in Hyderabad, where thousands of Indians circle altars and seek blessings for US work visas. “American workers shouldn’t have to compete against a system this gamed,” he wrote.
'Locking out' Americans
In another post, Schmitt alleged that foreign students—nearly half of them Indian—receive taxpayer‑subsidised work permits, while corporations avoid payroll taxes and wage rules.
“They flow into H‑1B, then green cards, while US grads with debt compete against cheaper labor,” he said.
He further argued that the “cartel’s work” extends beyond worship, accusing Indian visa holders of sharing confidential interview questions with other applicants.
“Big Tech quietly locks out Americans by routing jobs through these pipelines. Merit is now replaced by ethnic favouritism,” he wrote.
Hyderabad home to visa temples
Hyderabad is home to several temples closely associated with visa aspirations, particularly among students and IT professionals. Many applicants visit these temples before interviews or departures abroad.
The most prominent is the Chilkur Balaji Temple, widely known as the “Visa Temple,” where worshippers seek divine blessings for US visa approvals.
India consistently accounts for 70–80 per cent of total H‑1B approvals, far surpassing China, which represents about 12 per cent.
In 2023, the US Mission in India processed over 1.4 million visas, a record high, with Hyderabad being one of the busiest consulates in the world.