Kandi Srinivasa Reddy: Indian American Linked to H-1B Lottery Rigging Scam and Congress Candidate from Telangana
Who is Kandi Srinivasa Reddy?
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, an Indian American businessman, has recently made headlines due to allegations of his involvement in manipulating the H-1B visa lottery system in the United States. At the same time, he is also known as a Congress candidate from the Adilabad assembly constituency in Telangana. These dual roles have brought significant attention to his activities and raised questions about his business ethics and political aspirations.
Allegations of H-1B Visa Scam
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy is accused of exploiting the H-1B visa lottery system through a method called “multiple registration.” This technique involves submitting several applications for the same candidate under different company names, thereby increasing the chances of selection in the lottery process.
A Bloomberg investigation uncovered that Reddy allegedly controlled multiple entities, including Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC and Machine Learning Technologies LLC. These companies, which shared addresses and had similar names, filed thousands of entries, ultimately securing hundreds of H-1B visas. The manipulation is said to have disadvantaged legitimate companies adhering to the rules.
Statistical Insights and Findings
Data from 2020 to 2023 revealed that Reddy’s network of companies secured more than 300 H-1B visas, with 54 approved in a single year—far surpassing typical trends. This pattern highlighted systematic exploitation of the visa lottery system, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
The median salary for staffing firms in 2023 was approximately $90,000, compared to $125,000 for regular employers. Reports indicate that Reddy’s recruits earned around $87,000, further reflecting disparities in pay practices and exploitation of labor laws.
Legal Defense
Lucas Garritson, Reddy’s attorney, argued that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) failed to enforce proper regulations to prohibit such activities and lacked concrete proof of violations. This defense suggests that the legal battle surrounding Kandi Srinivasa Reddy may continue for some time.
Political Connections and Influence
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy’s activities extend beyond business ventures. He served as a Congress candidate from the Adilabad assembly constituency in Telangana, leveraging his influence to support local farmers and establish a media outlet. Despite his claims of minimal involvement in the companies accused of visa fraud, official documents indicate otherwise.
In interviews and affidavits submitted to election authorities, Reddy maintained that he acted only as a registered agent for these companies. However, business registry data in the U.S. and India contradict this claim, showing ownership or control by Reddy and his wife.
Impact and Reforms in the H-1B Visa System
The controversy surrounding Kandi Srinivasa Reddy has intensified debates about reforms in the H-1B visa lottery system. The U.S. government has already started implementing measures to detect and prevent fraud, including enhanced scrutiny of multiple registrations and salary standards.
The case underscores the challenges in balancing demand for skilled labor with the need to maintain fairness and integrity in immigration processes.
Conclusion
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy remains a polarizing figure—praised for his contributions to Telangana’s political and social landscape while facing serious allegations of immigration fraud in the U.S. His story highlights the complexities of cross-border business dealings and their implications on politics and policymaking. As investigations continue, the outcome will likely influence both his political future and reforms in immigration systems globally.
