[link removed] Share ([link removed])
[link removed]: https%3A%2F%2Fmailchi.mp%2Fcis%2Findustrialized-fraud-in-the-h-1b-visa-program Tweet ([link removed]: https%3A%2F%2Fmailchi.mp%2Fcis%2Findustrialized-fraud-in-the-h-1b-visa-program)
[link removed] Forward ([link removed])
‘Industrialized’ Fraud in the H-1B Visa Program ([link removed])
An insider explains how and why it persists
Follow Parsing Immigration Policy on Ricochet ([link removed]) , Apple Podcasts ([link removed]) , YouTube ([link removed]) , Amazon Music ([link removed]) , Spotify ([link removed]) , Pandora ([link removed]) , or use the podcast's RSS Feed ([link removed]) .
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 20, 2025) – In the latest episode of Parsing Immigration Policy, Jessica Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies, sits down with Mahvash Siddiqui, a U.S. Foreign Service officer, to discuss systemic fraud in the H-1B visa program. Speaking in her private capacity, Ms. Siddiqui shares firsthand experiences from her time as a consular officer in Chennai (Madras), India – one of the world’s largest H-1B visa-processing posts – where U.S. officials adjudicated thousands of nonimmigrant visas, including 220,000 H-1Bs and 140,000 H-4 visas for their family members in 2024 alone.

The episode highlights alarming patterns of fraud affecting the H-1B program, including forged degrees, falsified employment credentials, and the role of third-party staffing companies in bypassing the program’s original rationale of admitting skilled workers to meet temporary shortages. While the Trump administration implemented changes aimed at reorienting the program toward more qualified applicants, Siddiqui emphasizes that widespread political pressure and a very effective Indian lobby here in the U.S. have often undermined quality control.

The conversation provides insight into the challenges faced by consular officers attempting to curb visa fraud, including under-resourcing, bureaucratic obstacles, and pressure from both local and foreign political actors. The episode concludes with a discussion of potential reforms to ensure the program serves its intended purpose.
Donate ([link removed])
Related Articles:

The H-1B Invasion: Why the U.S. Must Act to Protect American Jobs, Security, and Prosperity ([link removed])
H-1B: End It, Don't Mend It ([link removed])
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: On Second Thought, H-1B Isn't for the 'Best and Brightest' After All ([link removed])
DHS Proposes to Reform the H-1B Selection Process to Favor Higher Paid Workers ([link removed])

============================================================
** Facebook ([link removed])
** [link removed] ([link removed])
** Link ([link removed])
** RSS ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2025 Center for Immigration Studies, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Center for Immigration Studies
1629 K St., NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20006
USA

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.

** View this e-mail in your browser. ([link removed])

This is the Center for Immigration Studies CISNews e-mail list.