Kandi Srinivasa Reddy’s Alleged Role in the H-1B Visa Lottery Manipulation Scheme
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, a Congress leader from Adilabad, Telangana, has found himself at the center of a controversial H-1B visa manipulation scheme. A Bloomberg report has linked Reddy, the founder of Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC, to a widespread operation that allegedly secured over 300 H-1B visas since 2020 through the manipulation of the lottery system. The investigation reveals intricate details of the visa fraud, with Reddy’s companies accused of exploiting loopholes to increase their chances of winning the highly sought-after visas. Here’s a closer look at the political leader, his alleged role in the scam, and the ongoing legal proceedings.
Who is Kandi Srinivasa Reddy?
Hailing from Hasnapur village in Tamsi Mandal, Adilabad district, Telangana, Kandi Srinivasa Reddy is an entrepreneur and a political figure who has made his mark both in business and politics. Reddy moved to the U.S. in 2011, pursuing a master’s degree from the Missouri University of Science & Technology Rolla. Settling near Dallas, he began working as a tech consultant, and later founded his own companies, including Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC in 2013. Over time, he has described himself as a “common farmer’s child” who achieved success through hard work.
Reddy is also the founder of the Indian American Farmers Cooperative and operates a foundation to support farmers in his hometown of Adilabad. Additionally, he runs a television and online news platform, showcasing his diverse business interests. His involvement as CEO of Artifint Technologies has also come under scrutiny in the wake of the visa fraud allegations.
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy’s Political Journey
Reddy initially sought political alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but eventually joined the Indian National Congress (INC). He contested in the Telangana Assembly elections but was unsuccessful, losing by a margin of 19,884 votes. Despite this defeat, Reddy’s assets, which amounted to Rs 50 crore with liabilities nearing Rs 5 crore, and his political ambitions continue to play a role in his public life.
In his candidate affidavit, Reddy disclosed that he faced several criminal charges, including those related to criminal intimidation, bribery, and cheating. These charges are still pending, and he has not been convicted in any of the cases.
The Alleged H-1B Visa Lottery Scam
The controversy surrounding Kandi Srinivasa Reddy USA revolves around allegations of H-1B visa fraud. Reddy’s companies, including Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC and Machine Learning Technologies LLC, have reportedly engaged in submitting multiple entries for the same workers to increase their chances of winning the H-1B visa lottery. This practice, known as multiple registration, exploits the H-1B lottery’s loopholes and has been flagged by U.S. authorities.
The H-1B visa lottery system allows foreign workers to secure a visa to work in specialized fields such as IT, healthcare, and engineering. However, the lottery system has long faced challenges with abuse, including the manipulation seen in this case. During the Trump administration, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) streamlined the process, which inadvertently led to increased attempts to game the system. Reddy’s companies reportedly took advantage of these changes, submitting multiple visa applications under different company names for the same workers, ultimately securing over 300 H-1B visas.
How the Scam Operated
The manipulation occurred when Reddy’s companies submitted thousands of lottery entries using multiple company names. By doing so, they increased the likelihood that their workers would be selected for an H-1B visa. According to reports, over 3,000 applications were submitted for just a few hundred workers, drastically improving their chances of securing a visa.
In addition to inflating the number of entries, Reddy’s companies reportedly charged workers a hefty fee of 20 to 30 percent of their annual salary, amounting to $15,000 or more for each worker. These high charges were paid for the chance to secure an H-1B visa, further enriching the companies involved in the scheme.
Legal Response and Reddy’s Denial
Despite the serious allegations, Kandi Srinivasa Reddy has strongly denied any wrongdoing in connection to the H-1B visa manipulation. Reddy has claimed that the practice of submitting multiple entries is legal and within the bounds of the system. He defended his actions by stating that employees had the option to choose which company to join, thereby minimizing any potential misconduct.
Reddy’s lawyer, Lucas Garritson, has also stated that USCIS did not follow the proper procedures in banning the practice and lacks sufficient evidence to prove that the companies involved in the scheme violated any immigration rules.
The Wider Impact and Legal Ramifications
The H-1B visa lottery scam has significant consequences for both the U.S. immigration system and for foreign workers. The fraudulent manipulation of the visa process created an uneven playing field, where companies that adhered to the rules were at a disadvantage. This scam has denied deserving candidates the opportunity to secure visas and undermined the integrity of the visa process.
Legal ramifications for Kandi Srinivasa Reddy and his companies could be severe. If the allegations are proven, both civil and criminal penalties could be levied against him and his associates. The U.S. government has already indicated that it will pursue action against companies involved in such fraudulent practices.
Conclusion
The case of Kandi Srinivasa Reddy serves as a glaring example of how manipulation of the H-1B visa lottery can undermine the system meant to facilitate the entry of skilled professionals into the U.S. The investigation into Reddy’s companies and their alleged involvement in the visa scam highlights the vulnerability of the visa process to exploitation. As the case develops, it will be essential to ensure that any fraudulent actions are met with appropriate legal consequences to protect the integrity of the immigration system.