A major controversy has emerged involving Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, a former Congress candidate from Telangana, linking him to a widespread H-1B visa lottery scam. Investigative findings by Bloomberg have shed light on how flaws in the US visa system were exploited, bringing the name of Kandi Srinivasa Reddy to the forefront. Let’s delve deeper to understand who he is and the details of this alleged scam.

Who is Kandi Srinivasa Reddy?

Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, a businessman with ties to the Congress party in India, has a compelling background. Originally hailing from a farming family in Telangana, Reddy pursued higher education in the United States, where he earned a master’s degree. Following his education, he worked as a tech consultant and eventually settled near Dallas, Texas.

In 2013, Kandi Srinivasa Reddy established Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC, an IT company. Apart from his business ventures, he is known for philanthropic efforts, particularly through a foundation he set up to support farmers in India. He also owns a TV channel and an online news portal, further cementing his presence in media and business. Despite his achievements, his alleged involvement in the H-1B visa lottery scam has raised significant concerns.

What is the H-1B Visa Lottery Scam?

The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after nonimmigrant work visas in the United States. It allows American employers to hire skilled foreign workers in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, and finance. Each year, a lottery system is used to allocate a limited number of H-1B visas. Out of the 446,000 applicants in 2023, only 85,000 visas were issued, making the competition fierce.

The Bloomberg investigation revealed that certain staffing and outsourcing firms manipulated the lottery system by submitting multiple applications for the same individual. This practice, known as “multiple registration,” significantly increased their chances of securing visas while shutting out other qualified applicants and businesses.

Between 2020 and 2023, the investigation found that staffing firms used fraudulent means to obtain thousands of H-1B visas. This manipulation, identified as “fraud” by US officials, has severely impacted the credibility of the lottery system.

Kandi Srinivasa Reddy’s Alleged Role

According to Bloomberg, Kandi Srinivasa Reddy has been implicated in rigging the H-1B visa lottery system. His company, Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC, is reported to have played a significant role in the manipulation. By leveraging multiple companies under his control, Reddy allegedly submitted numerous lottery entries for the same individual, increasing their odds of selection.

The report claims that this fraudulent practice enabled Kandi Srinivasa Reddy USA operations to obtain hundreds of H-1B visas over the years. While this boosted his staffing firm’s success, it unfairly deprived other deserving candidates and businesses of opportunities.

The Impact of the Scam

The alleged actions of Kandi Srinivasa Reddy and other staffing firms have had far-reaching consequences:

1. Loss of Opportunities: Talented professionals and legitimate businesses lost out on H-1B visas due to the rigged system.
2. Damage to Reputation: The integrity of the US H-1B lottery system has come under scrutiny, leading to stricter investigations and policies.
3. Legal Repercussions: The US government has begun cracking down on fraudulent practices, potentially resulting in severe penalties for individuals and companies involved.

Bloomberg’s Investigation and Findings

Bloomberg’s investigation uncovered detailed evidence of how the H-1B visa lottery system was manipulated. It highlighted how staffing firms, including those linked to Kandi Srinivasa Reddy USA, exploited the system by submitting up to 15 entries per individual. This blatant rigging undermined the principle of fair competition, casting a shadow over the legitimate use of H-1B visas.

The report also noted that out of the 85,000 H-1B visas granted last year, a significant portion went to staffing firms that engaged in fraudulent practices. These firms prioritized profits over ethics, exacerbating the challenges faced by genuine applicants.

Conclusion

The alleged involvement of Kandi Srinivasa Reddy in the H-1B visa lottery scam underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the system. While Kandi Srinivasa Reddy USA ventures have achieved significant business milestones, the allegations against him threaten to tarnish his reputation.

As investigations continue, it remains crucial for authorities to address these loopholes and ensure that the H-1B visa process upholds its integrity. The case of Kandi Srinivasa Reddy serves as a stark reminder of the potential misuse of systems designed to benefit skilled professionals worldwide.