What's the relation between Balaji Temple and H-1B visas? Why was the U.S. Senator railing against Indians?
An online fracas has been started by U.S. Senator Eric Schmidt, who called out the Chilkur Balaji Temple in Hyderabad -- widely known as the 'Visa Temple' -- as part of a broader tirade against the H-1B visa system in the U.S.
Posting a series of tweets Schmidt, Republican Senator from Missouri alleged the U.S. Employment-based visa system depressed local wages and created a global "visa cartel" which replaces Americans in the job market.
'The American middle class is being harmed'
He went on to say that visas like H-1B, L-1, F-1 and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are destroying and 'hollowing out' the American middle class, stating on X, "Now billions of dollars are being sent to India for AI training, which the American people are paying for."
As a demonstration of his claims, Schmidt shared a picture of the Chilkur Balaji Temple, saying it was a 'visa temple' where Indians, or members of the 'visa cartel' prayed for their visas to be stamped. "This 'visa cartel' has its own 'visa temple' in Hyderabad. Thousands of Indians circumambulate the temple and seek blessings on their passports to obtain U.S. Work visas. American workers shouldn't have to contend with such a rigged system."
Caste bias instead of merit: Senator
In another tweet, the US Senator further charged that foreign students, roughly 50% of whom are from India, obtain work permits with U.S. Taxpayer dollars while companies don't have to pay payroll taxes or wages. "They get H-1B visas first, then green cards. While debt-ridden American graduates compete with cheap labor."
He also accused the 'cartel' of a more insidious offense, saying Indian visa holders also pass on confidential interview questions to other Indian candidates, adding that many large tech companies utilize these tactics to shut out Americans from jobs. "Now, meritocracy has been replaced by racial bias."
Temple blessings for visa
Hyderabad houses various temples, which have become well-known pilgrimage sites for US visa applicants praying for the approval of their visa applications, particularly students and those in the IT field. It is customary for the applicants to visit these temples for blessings prior to their interviews or their travel to overseas countries.
Perhaps the best-known among them is the Chilkur Balaji Temple, commonly referred to as the "Visa Temple". Devotees seek the deity's blessings for approval of their US visa applications here. India receives around 70-80% of the H-1B visas issued, more than China's 12%.
What is the belief in Balaji temple?
The Chilkur Balaji Temple in Hyderabad is globally recognized as the Visa Balaji Temple where, it is believed, praying to Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji) clears all obstacles standing in the way of devotees applying for a foreign visa. Devotees perform 11 circumambulations of the temple praying for the visa, and after it has been approved they return to offer 108 circumambulations of the shrine in gratitude. A symbol of equality, the temple has no special VIP darshan arrangements, allowing entry to all regardless of status. The temple is more than 500 years old and is considered one of Telangana's oldest.
Locals believe visiting the temple with a sincere heart fills one with positive vibes and absolves them of suffering. The temple is situated on the banks of Osman Sagar Lake, in the village of Chilkur, on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
What is an H-1B visa permit?
The U.S. H-1B visa program is a type of work permit that allows the admission of foreign professionals into the United States. They are primarily issued to those in highly skilled fields like IT, medicine, engineering and research. This visa needs the support of an American company. Every year only a limited number of H-1B visas are distributed and winners are selected via a lottery.
The visa is granted for three years and is eligible for extension at a later date. The H-1B visa is a favorite amongst Indian IT professionals since it offers them a path to employment and better career prospects in America.
What are the rules for receiving an H-1B visa?
Any foreigner is eligible to apply for a U.S. H-1B visa. The applicants are required to have at least 12 years of work experience, and the visa has a validity period of three to six years. They are selected via a lottery system.
It is considered to be a lucrative opportunity for professionals seeking to establish themselves in the U.S. An H-1B visa allows the recipient and his family including children and spouse to stay in the U.S. An applicant can apply for U.S. Citizenship after a period of five years with an H-1B visa.
