US Economist Flags H-1B Visa Irregularity Mentions 220,000 Issued via Chennai

Allegations of H-1B Visa Irregularity Raise Debate on US Work Visa System

The United States’ H-1B visa programme has come under renewed scrutiny after American economist and former Congressman Dave Brat claimed that visa allocation numbers at the US Consulate in Chennai significantly exceeded the national annual cap. Speaking during a podcast discussion, Brat alleged that while US law allows 85,000 H-1B visas per year , Chennai alone accounted for 220,000 approvals , suggesting large-scale procedural loopholes.

He further pointed out that India receives nearly 71% of all H-1B visas , far higher than other beneficiary countries. The economist linked the issue with broader concerns about workforce competition and immigration-driven job displacement in the US.

Statements Trigger Policy Discussion

Brat’s comments gained momentum after former US diplomat Mahvash Siddiqui , who earlier served at the Chennai mission, also spoke about the scale of visa applications processed in India. Siddiqui said that in 2024 , officials handled roughly 220,000 H-1B and 140,000 H-4 visas , and claimed that fraudulent applications, forged documents, and proxy interviews have occasionally been observed during adjudication.

However, no official investigation or federal confirmation of these claims has been announced yet. Analysts note that the figures quoted may include visa renewals and petitions processed globally through Chennai, which could explain higher numbers compared to the statutory annual issuance cap.

Growing Call for Transparency in H-1B Oversight

The claims have fuelled debate over verification mechanisms, employer authenticity, and documentation checks , with several voices calling for stronger digital tracking and vetting systems. Discussions also intersect with immigration-policy politics and future reforms ahead of the next H-1B cycle.

Exam-Point Key Facts

• H-1B annual US cap: 85,000 visas per year .

• Economist Brat referenced 220,000 visas via Chennai .

• India accounts for ~71% of H-1B approvals .

• Former diplomat Siddiqui mentioned 220,000 H-1B + 140,000 H-4 processed in 2024 .

• Discussion highlights visa oversight, documentation and fraud-control needs .