US Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, has stirred controversy by criticizing the H-1B visa program and targeting the Chilkur Balaji Temple in Hyderabad, India, known as the 'Visa Temple.' In a series of posts on X, Schmitt claimed that the US employment-based visa system, including H-1B, L-1, F-1, and Optional Practical Training (OPT), suppresses local wages and creates a 'Visa Cartel' that displaces American workers. He described the temple as a place where thousands of Indians pray for successful visa approvals, asserting that American workers should not have to compete against a 'gamed' system. Schmitt also alleged that foreign students, nearly half of whom are Indians, benefit from taxpayer-subsidized work permits while US graduates struggle with debt. He further claimed that Indian visa holders share interview questions with each other, suggesting that this undermines meritocracy in the job market. The Chilkur Balaji Temple has become a popular site for visa applicants seeking blessings before interviews, highlighting the cultural significance of visa aspirations in India. Notably, India represents about 70-80% of total H-1B visa approvals, far exceeding China's share of approximately 12%. Schmitt's remarks have drawn both support and criticism online.