Senator Eric Schmitt Claims U.S. Work Visa Programs are Being Manipulated

May 14, 2026, 12:55

Introduction

Senator Eric Schmitt has publicly criticized the H-1B and Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa systems. He asserts that these programs allow a global network of fraud to operate, which puts American workers at a disadvantage.

Main Body

The Senator claims that a 'visa cartel' exists, consisting of recruitment agencies, universities, and tech companies. According to Schmitt, this network allows companies to replace American employees with foreign workers. He emphasized that 82% of recent H-1B hires were paid less than the median wage. Furthermore, he argues that L-1 and F-1 visas are used to avoid payroll taxes and wage rules, which creates an unfair environment for U.S. graduates. Additionally, the Senator mentioned the Chilkur Balaji temple in Hyderabad, India. Schmitt suggests that people visiting the temple to pray for visas proves that the system is being 'gamed.' This claim is based on a Wall Street Journal report that describes the site as a 'Visa Temple.' However, many Indian citizens and devotees have described these comments as discriminatory. Critics argue that prayer is a personal religious act and does not influence the official decisions of U.S. visa officers. Consequently, this debate has shown a deep disagreement over cultural practices, with some suggesting that the Senator's language encourages hostility.

Conclusion

Senator Schmitt continues to call for the closure of legal loopholes and an end to visa fraud in order to prioritize the American workforce.

Learning

The Power of 'Reporting Verbs'

At an A2 level, you probably use the word "say" for everything. To reach B2, you need to stop just 'saying' things and start 'asserting,' 'claiming,' and 'emphasizing.'

Look at how the article describes the Senator's views. It doesn't just say "He said..." It uses a variety of verbs to show how he is speaking and how sure he is. This is the secret to academic and professional English.

⚡️ The Upgrade Path

A2 (Basic)	B2 (Advanced/Precise)	What it actually means
Say/Tell	$\rightarrow$ Assert	To state something confidently and forcefully.
Say	$\rightarrow$ Claim	To say something is true, even if other people disagree.
Say	$\rightarrow$ Emphasize	To give special importance to a specific point.
Say	$\rightarrow$ Suggest	To put forward an idea without being 100% certain.

🛠️ Contextual Application

Compare these two sentences from the text:

"He asserts that these programs allow a global network of fraud..."
"Schmitt suggests that people visiting the temple... proves that the system is being gamed."

The Difference: In the first sentence, the Senator is being aggressive and sure (Assert). In the second, he is making a connection based on a report, which is more of an observation (Suggest).

B2 Strategy Tip: When you write your next essay or email, find every time you wrote "He said" or "I think." Replace them with words like claim, argue, or emphasize. This immediately changes how a native speaker perceives your fluency level.

Vocabulary Learning

network

A group of connected people or organizations.

Example:He said a global network of fraud operates in the visa system.

disadvantage

A condition that puts someone at a lower or less favorable position.

Example:The visa system puts American workers at a disadvantage.

recruitment

The process of hiring or selecting people for jobs.

Example:Recruitment agencies are part of the alleged visa cartel.

agencies

Organizations that provide services, especially in a professional field.

Example:The cartel includes recruitment agencies, universities, and tech companies.

tech

Short for technology; refers to the industry or products related to computers and electronics.

Example:Tech companies are part of the network that manipulates visa programs.

replace

To substitute one thing for another.

Example:Companies can replace American employees with foreign workers.

foreign

Coming from another country.

Example:Foreign workers are often hired in place of American employees.

median

The middle value in a set of numbers, dividing the set into two equal halves.

Example:82% of recent hires were paid less than the median wage.

avoid

To stay away from or prevent something from happening.

Example:L-1 and F-1 visas are used to avoid payroll taxes and wage rules.

unfair

Not just or equitable; biased against someone.

Example:The system creates an unfair environment for U.S. graduates.

discriminatory

Treating people differently based on irrelevant characteristics.

Example:Many Indian citizens called the comments discriminatory.

prioritize

To give priority or importance to something over other things.

Example:The senator wants to prioritize the American workforce.