An explosive Bloomberg investigation has revealed a significant manipulation of the H-1B visa lottery system, implicating Indian American Kandi Srinivasa Reddy in the scandal. The report exposes how staffing and outsourcing firms have been exploiting the lottery system, casting a shadow over America’s largest foreign worker employment policy.
Key Findings:
- Lottery System Manipulation: In 2023, the H-1B visa lottery, which saw 446,000 applicants for just 85,000 available visas, was heavily manipulated. According to Bloomberg, a substantial portion of the visas were awarded to multinational outsourcing and IT staffing firms that used fraudulent tactics to increase their chances.
- Visa Distribution: Out of the available H-1B visas, 11,600 went to multinational outsourcing companies, while 22,600 were awarded to IT staffing firms. This allocation led to significant concerns about the fairness of the lottery process.
Rigging Tactics Unveiled:
- Multiple Registration Scheme: Bloomberg’s investigation, based on data from 2020 to 2023, uncovers a tactic known as “multiple registration.” This involves submitting multiple entries for the same individual to artificially boost their chances of winning a visa. This practice is deemed fraudulent by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Fraudulent Visas: The report reveals that approximately 15,500 visas, or about one in six awarded last year, were obtained through these fraudulent practices. The scale of the manipulation underscores the need for stricter oversight and reforms within the H-1B lottery system.
Indian American Connection:
- Kandi Srinivasa Reddy Allegations: Indian American Kandi Srinivasa Reddy has been linked to the lottery rigging scheme. Reddy, who has been named in the Bloomberg report, has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
Implications and Reactions:
- Systemic Issues: The revelation of this massive scam raises questions about the integrity of the H-1B visa process and the need for more robust regulatory measures to prevent abuse.
- Regulatory Response: The USCIS and other relevant authorities are likely to face increased pressure to address these issues and implement reforms to ensure the fairness of the H-1B lottery system.
Future Reforms: The investigation highlights the urgency for legislative and policy changes to close loopholes and enhance transparency in the H-1B visa application process.
Background: The H-1B visa program is designed to allow U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. However, the high demand and limited number of visas have made the system a target for exploitation.
I am Aparna Sahu
Investment Specialist and Financial Writer
With 2 years of experience in the financial sector, Aparna brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to Investor Welcome. As an accomplished author and investment specialist, Aparna has a passion for demystifying complex financial concepts and empowering investors with actionable strategies. She has been featured in relevant publications, if any, and is dedicated to providing clear, evidence-based analysis that helps clients make informed investment decisions. Aparna holds a relevant degree or certification and is committed to staying ahead of market trends to deliver the most up-to-date advice.
