Indian-origin influencer Priya Patel is facing another backlash online after making strong remarks against the H-1B visa programme on X. In a video, Patel argued that the H-1B visa system should be completely shut down, claiming it has been misused for years. She added, “We need to seriously eliminate H-1B visa programme altogether,” alleging that the system is riddled with fraud.
Priya Patel’s claims against Shell companies
Patel claimed that many companies sponsoring H-1B workers are shell entities with “fake offices” and “fake job listings.” According to her, these firms allegedly receive taxpayer money and not contributing meaningfully to the US economy.
She further alleged that such companies are “not even hiring Americans,” instead moving workers around through questionable arrangements.
The fraud and abuse run too deep and this specific program is too far gone.
— Priya Patel (@priyaee_) January 20, 2026
Time to get rid of H1-B Visas.
And don’t worry, you can still import your actual geniuses with the O-1 visa, if need be. pic.twitter.com/fKohdtdIe1
Expanding on her criticism, Patel said some employers falsely label workers as highly skilled, even when “that don’t actually exists.” She accused these companies of underpaying workers or placing them on unpaid “bench” status.
She also claimed that “dollars are stolen by yet another group of foreigners that come here with the intent of running a fraud scheme,” adding to the controversy surrounding her remarks.
Doubling down on her stance, Patel said the H-1B system is beyond repair, stating, “The fraud and abuse run too deep and this specific program is too far gone.”
However, she added that companies could still bring in exceptional talent, saying, “you can still import your actual geniuses with the O-1 visa, if need be.”
Priya Patel’s anti-immigration stance
Patel has previously courted controversy for her views on culture and immigration. Earlier this year, she went viral after saying, “Not all cultures are equal,” arguing that people may be equal under law and God, cultures should be judged by how well they fit American values.
She has also claimed that even legal immigration can be harmful if people fail to assimilate. According to Patel, large-scale immigration allows people to form tight communities that do not blend into American society, changing cities in the process.
‘Go back home, Priya’
Netizens slammed her stance on H-1B. A user wrote on X, ” can we check her immigration status first too lmao.” Another asked, “Time to deport every Indian you mean.” Another claimed, “She’s trying to please but the fact remains that they want to kick her out of this country as much as all the others…..what a shame.” “Well, realistically you are basically against your own Indian people, as you know most of y’all come from India with H1-B visas. Pretty sure you may have too,” added another. “Nepo brownie trying so hard,” claimed a user.