NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, D.C., November 29, 2025: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has reintroduced the HIRE Act, a proposal that would double the annual cap on H-1B visas and increase federal funding for STEM education.
The bill seeks to raise the current H-1B quota from 65,000 to 130,000 visas per year and expand investment in science, technology, engineering, and math programs across U.S. schools. Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois’ 8th District, says the measure is aimed at addressing ongoing shortages in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, and advanced research.
The timing has drawn attention. In recent weeks, former Congressman Dave Brat and former U.S. diplomat Mahvash Siddiqui have publicly alleged that fraud in the H-1B system — particularly in applications processed at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai — is far more extensive than previously acknowledged. Siddiqui, who once served at the Chennai post, claimed that a large share of applications she reviewed involved fake documents or candidates who did not meet the required skill level. Brat separately suggested that visa issuances connected to one Indian region appeared to far exceed expected limits.
Federal agencies have not released any audit confirming these claims, and industry groups argue that government compliance reviews consistently show low fraud rates. Still, the allegations have triggered fresh debate about the integrity and oversight of the program.
Supporters of the HIRE Act say the U.S. needs both an increase in high-skilled immigration and deeper investment in domestic talent to remain globally competitive. Critics warn that expanding the visa cap without first tightening verification and enforcement could worsen existing vulnerabilities.
The legislation is expected to face close scrutiny in Congress, where concerns about H-1B misuse persist across party lines. Krishnamoorthi maintains that boosting skilled immigration and strengthening American STEM education should move forward together — but whether his proposal gains momentum amid the controversy remains uncertain.
