In late 2025, Kerala Police dismantled a multi-state fake degree racket, arresting 11 suspects and seizing over 100,000 counterfeit certificates linked to around 22 universities or institutions. Authorities estimated that up to 1 million fraudulent degrees could be in circulation. The forged documents primarily targeted fields like medicine, nursing, and engineering, and were sold for ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakh (roughly $900–$1,800 USD).
One institution highlighted in related reporting is Manav Bharti University in India, which reportedly sold about 36,025 fake degrees while awarding far fewer legitimate ones (around 5,455). Fake degrees from such operations reportedly cost as little as $1,400.
The issue has recently reignited after Fox News anchor Kayleigh McEnany posted a video on social media highlighting concerns about the H-1B visa program, which allows employers to hire foreign workers in “specialty occupations” requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
In the post, McEnany cited figures on visa approvals since 2015 and referenced allegations from a former official, reported by Newsweek, regarding widespread fraud and the use of fraudulent documentation in some H-1B applications originating from India. .
These documents were allegedly used for jobs and visa applications abroad, including in the U.S. While direct links to specific approved H-1B visas require further investigation by U.S. authorities, the scale raises serious questions about credential verification in the immigration process.
Broader Allegations of Fraud in Indian H-1B Applications
A former U.S. consular officer, Mahvash Siddiqui, who adjudicated thousands of visas (including many H-1Bs) at the U.S. consulate in Chennai, India, alleged in 2025 that 80–90% of H-1B applications from the region involved fraudulent documentation or unqualified applicants. She described forged degrees, transcripts, employment letters, and other supporting materials, often facilitated by visa consultancies.
India dominates H-1B approvals (often around 70% in recent years), making these claims particularly relevant to program integrity.
U.S. agencies like USCIS and the Department of Labor have long acknowledged fraud risks in the H-1B program, including indicators such as wage violations, benching (non-payment while awaiting projects), and misrepresentation of job duties or worksites. Audits have previously found notable fraud rates. uscis.gov
Wage Levels and “High-Skilled” Claims
Critics, including the video referenced, note that a high percentage of H-1B workers—especially those sponsored by outsourcing firms—receive Level 1 (entry-level) or Level 2 (qualified/junior) wage classifications. Data from the Department of Labor and analyses by groups like the Economic Policy Institute have shown that outsourcing companies received a substantial share of visas, with many petitions at lower wage levels.
During the Biden administration, rules and enforcement varied, but reports indicated heavy use at junior levels by certain employers. Reforms under subsequent administrations have attempted to prioritize higher wage/skill tiers via lottery weighting and prevailing wage adjustments.
This does not mean all (or even most) Indian H-1B recipients are fraudulent—many hold legitimate degrees from reputable institutions and contribute in tech and other fields—but the existence of diploma mills undermines trust and creates unfair competition.
Enforcement Actions in the U.S.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has pursued investigations into suspected H-1B abuse, issuing demands to nearly 30 North Texas businesses accused of “ghost office” schemes (falsely representing operations to sponsor workers) and other fraud. These probes involve various entities, including some with foreign ties, and aim to protect the program from exploitation.
Federal authorities have prosecuted H-1B fraud cases involving fake job offers, benching, and document forgery over the years, affecting both U.S.-based operators and foreign nationals. ndtv.com
Context and Challenges for Reform
The H-1B program was designed for genuine shortages of highly skilled workers, with an annual cap of 85,000 (65,000 regular + 20,000 for U.S. advanced degrees), though many employers (e.g., universities) are exempt. Critics argue it has been gamed by outsourcing firms to suppress wages, while supporters emphasize its role in filling specialized roles and driving innovation.
The Indian bust highlights the need for stronger credential verification, possibly through third-party evaluations, blockchain records, or expanded site visits by U.S. agencies. Past efforts have included wage-level prioritization in lotteries and increased scrutiny of fraud indicators.
While the program brings valuable talent, unchecked fraud harms U.S. workers, legitimate immigrants, and public confidence. Targeted reforms—better verification, enforcement against bad actors (both employers and applicants), and prioritization of top-tier skills—could help restore its original intent without broad shutdowns. Ongoing Texas and federal actions signal increased scrutiny; outcomes will depend on thorough investigations linking fake degrees to approved visas.
The post Kayleigh McEnany Reports on H-1B Visa Fraud: India’s Fake Degree Racket Exposes Systemic Vulnerabilities in the U.S. Skilled Immigration Program appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.