The Indus Zone Media Desk | Published: Nov 26, 2025 | US Economist Alleges Massive H-1B Visa Fraud in Chennai
Chennai at the Centre of Explosive H-1B Visa Fraud Allegations
The US H-1B visa programme has returned to the spotlight after fresh allegations of large-scale fraud involving the Chennai visa district in India. Former US Congressman and economist Dave Brat has alleged that Chennai alone was responsible for issuing over 2.2 lakh (220,000) H-1B visas, despite the official national annual cap being only 85,000.
Speaking on a recent podcast, Brat termed the situation as “industrial-scale fraud,” suggesting that the visa system has been systematically manipulated beyond legal limits.
India Dominates H-1B Approvals, Raises Red Flags
Brat further claimed that around 71% of all H-1B visas are issued to Indian applicants, while China — the second-largest recipient — accounts for only 12%. According to him, this sharp imbalance raises serious questions about oversight and regulation within the US immigration framework.
He also linked the issue with concerns over American workforce displacement, claiming that unverified foreign hiring directly affects US families and job security.
Chennai Among World’s Busiest US Visa Processing Hubs
The US Consulate in Chennai is one of the busiest visa processing centres globally. It handles applications not just from Tamil Nadu but also from Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana, making it a critical hub for skilled worker visas.
This heavy volume has now become central to the fraud debate after Brat’s shock claim of visa numbers exceeding legal limits by nearly three times.
Former US Diplomat Supports Fraud Claims
Adding weight to the controversy, Mahvash Siddiqui, an Indian-American diplomat who served at the Chennai consulate between 2005 and 2007, also alleged widespread abuse of the H-1B system.
According to Siddiqui, US officials processed around 220,000 H-1B visas and 1.4 lakh H-4 dependent visas in 2024 alone. She further claimed many applications involved fake employer letters, forged degrees, and proxy interviews.
She also alleged that certain areas in Hyderabad openly train applicants to manipulate visa documentation, including the sale of fraudulent job offers and educational certificates.
Political Fallout and Immigration Tensions Rise
Dave Brat linked the controversy to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement’s tough stance on immigration, warning that unchecked visa fraud could harm both national security and local employment in the US.
The allegations have now added fresh fuel to the ongoing debate on US skilled worker visas, outsourcing, and foreign workforce dependence, particularly involving India’s IT sector.
What This Means for Indian Applicants
While no official investigation has yet confirmed these claims, the allegations have created anxiety among genuine H-1B applicants. Experts warn that stricter scrutiny, longer processing times, and tougher verification norms could follow.
