US Senator Eric Schmitt claims Indians visit 'Visa temple' in Hyderabad, while attacking H-1B visa programme

MAGA supporter and junior senator for Missouri, Eric Schmitt has recently jumped up on the social media algorithm. While one would hope it would be for his work, it is rather because he joined the bash Indian immigrants to gain MAGA support train. The Republican leader has joined the countless influencers in attacking the H-1B visa programme and calling for a ban on it.In a post that is quickly gaining traction on X (Formerly Twitter), Schmitt called the Indians a "visa cartel" and claimed they visit a "visa temple" in Hyderabad to "get blessed for US work visas.""American workers shouldn’t have to compete against a system this gamed. Enough. We must end the fraud, shut down these networks, close the loopholes, and ensure we serve American workers," he wrote.As per Schmitt, the cartel is an interconnected system involving universities, outsourcing firms, recruiters and certain tech companies that in his view, systematically favour foreign workers over Americans. “Big tech companies have laid off thousands of U.S. workers while filling thousands of H-1B requests for identical roles. 82% of those foreign hires came in below median wages. BILLIONS now flow to India for AI training instead, subsidised by Americans,” he claimed. “This is part of a global “visa cartel.” Networks recruit overseas, lie on resumes, file petitions, and treat workers like cattle.”He also claimed Indian immigrants were making use of the F-1 and L-1 visas to continue their fraud and support others who want to move to the US.The US Senator also shared the example of how the H-1B system is being 'gamed' by the so-called visa cartel. The picture he shared was of the Chilkur Balaji Temple, which was described by the Wall Street Journal as the "visa temple" of India in a 2025 report. The outlet noted how devotees flock to the temple with the belief that its deity will help them secure employment or educational offers abroad. Some are said to carry their passport to the temple in the hopes of the lord fulfilling their wishes. Previously, Schmitt has consistently voiced his objections to the H-1B programme and other visa programmes that allow foreigners to enter and work in the US.For MAGA Indians, immigration isn't just about job loss or injustice, it's about a community, Hindu in particular. Since Hindus make up the majority of the Indian-origin immigrants in the US, they are being targeted heavily. From online doxing to visiting their homes and even temples, MAGA influencers and white supremacists have left no stone unturned to exploit any and every angle in an aim to fear-monger and disinform people about the community.Thus, a US Senator attacking a Hindu temple in India did not sit well with the netizens."If someone goes and prays in a temple that causes the visa officer to stamp the visa? Is there a direct connection from the temple to the US consulate? What nonsense are you posting. I hope you MAGA turds lose the mid terms. Shame on you for amplifying hate.." wrote one user."I can't believe a sitting US senator is so racist and bigot to instigate hate against a community, Hindus & Indians. What a low @SenEricSchmitt. Shame on you ! reflect on yourself idiot ! Don't ponder to racists on X. they are fake, real voters do not forgive you," added another."You are a racist bigot who doesn’t understand what temple is for… You are a disgrace and represent the worst of American politics…" wrote one.