An Indian-origin US diplomat has urged a halt to the H-1B visa programme and a full audit of the system, saying she witnessed “widespread fraud” while posted at the US consulate in Chennai. Mahvash Siddiqui, writing for the Center for Immigration Studies, described a culture of fake degrees, forged bank statements and fabricated personal documents that she says facilitate an “H-1B scam” in parts of India. Her commentary has put fresh scrutiny on the future of the programme amid broader policy changes in Washington.
Siddiqui wrote that many visa holders claiming computer science degrees lacked relevant coursework or skills. “Many H-1Bs claiming computer science degrees had no related coursework or programming skills; basic coding tests often exposed them. Corrupt HR officials in both India and the US facilitated fake employment letters, allowing underqualified candidates to bypass scrutiny,” she said.
She went on to accuse some Indian managers in the United States of creating “insular hiring networks” that sidelined American graduates. “American IT graduates — trained through rigorous programs — were left unemployed or were forced to train their H-1B replacements for lower pay,” Siddiqui wrote.
In earlier comments she described Chennai as the “H-1B visa fraud capital of the world,” recalling that the post once processed around 100,000 H-1B visas annually and that demand now exceeds 400,000 per year.
Siddiqui also criticised Indian lobbyists and some Silicon Valley firms for what she described as misleading US lawmakers. She said the H-1B programme, intended to attract global talent, had become a “de facto immigration shortcut dominated by one country.”
Her recommendations include pausing new H-1B visa issuances, enhancing credential verification, prioritising US-trained STEM graduates, banning nepotistic hiring, imposing tougher penalties for fraud, and expanding workplace inspections.
Siddiqui’s comments come amid a broader shift in US H-1B policy that has created uncertainty for applicants and holders. The Trump administration has imposed a hefty $100,000 fee on new H-1B filings in an effort to curb perceived abuses and prioritise American workers, prompting legal challenges from several states.
The State Department has also adopted expanded social media vetting for visa applicants, and many cases are receiving 221(g) slips, which place applications on hold pending further review.
In addition, the department has been “prudentially revoking” many H-1B visas, a practice that prevents holders from re-entering the US until issues are resolved, even if they remain legally resident in the country. This move has disproportionately affected Indian professionals, who form the largest group of H-1B visa holders.
Recent reporting also indicates that hundreds to possibly thousands of Indian H-1B workers have been stranded in India after renewal appointments were abruptly cancelled or delayed under new vetting and national security policies.
Critics say reform is overdue
Other critics of the programme have joined Siddiqui’s call for major changes. A former US consular official wrote that the H-1B category has “deviated from its intent” and is now filled with “average workers” rather than exceptional talent.
These voices reflect growing concerns inside the US about whether the current system adequately protects American workers and properly screens foreign applicants.
Impact on Indian professionals and students
Indians have long been the largest recipients of H-1B visas, particularly in technology and engineering fields. Recent policy shifts, including fee increases and tighter scrutiny, have created anxiety among applicants, workers and employers. Travel restrictions and visa delays have left some professionals in limbo, affecting families and careers.
As Siddiqui and others press for systemic reforms, the future of the H-1B programme remains uncertain. How the US responds could have wide implications for immigration policy, labour markets and transnational talent flows.
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