Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, an Indian-American businessman, is under investigation for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to manipulate the H-1B visa lottery system in the United States. According to a Bloomberg report, Reddy exploited loopholes in the visa process through multiple company registrations to improve applicants’ chances of selection.
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy reportedly used a network of companies, including Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC and Machine Learning Technologies LLC, to submit thousands of H-1B applications. This approach resulted in securing hundreds of visas, giving Reddy’s candidates an unfair advantage over legitimate applicants. Since 2020, his companies have acquired over 300 visas, with 54 obtained in 2023 alone.
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy has defended his actions, claiming he merely acted as an agent for the firms involved. However, evidence suggests he and his wife owned and controlled these entities. Critics argue that such tactics not only exploited the system but also disadvantaged companies adhering to legal norms.
The investigation highlights vulnerabilities in the H-1B visa lottery system, prompting calls for reform to prevent manipulation. Recent changes aimed at prioritizing genuine talent have still left room for exploitation, as seen in Reddy’s case.
Apart from his business activities, Reddy has political connections in India. He contested elections on a Congress party ticket from Telangana’s Adilabad constituency and is currently in charge of the party’s operations there. He also owns a media outlet and a firm supporting farmers, adding to his public profile.
While Reddy maintains his innocence, legal scrutiny continues. His lawyer, Lucas Garritson, argues that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) failed to implement safeguards against such fraud. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for immigration policies and enforcement mechanisms.