Is H-1B visa programme being abused? Viral 7-eleven video of Indian sparks political debate

A viral video showing an Indian-origin worker at a 7-Eleven store in Texas has triggered a political storm in the United States, reigniting debate over the country’s H-1B visa programme for skilled foreign workers.

The video, originally posted by a YouTuber earlier this week, features a store employee who claims he is in the US on an H-1B visa and is from Andhra Pradesh. The clip quickly gained traction on social media, with many users questioning whether such a role qualifies under the visa’s requirements, which are typically reserved for specialised, degree-based occupations.

Reacting to the video, Republican Congressman Brandon Gill called for the programme to be scrapped entirely. “H-1B is a scam and should be abolished,” he wrote on social media, amplifying an already polarised conversation around immigration and employment policies.

Gill, who represents Texas’s 26th congressional district, has previously taken a strong stance on immigration issues.

In 2024, he introduced the New IDEA Act, aimed at tightening hiring verification systems and discouraging the employment of unauthorized workers.

The viral video has not been independently verified, and there is no official confirmation regarding the worker’s immigration status. Experts note that there could be multiple explanations, including the possibility that the individual may have misspoken about his visa type or is employed in a different qualifying role.

The H-1B visa programme has long been a contentious issue in US politics. Critics argue that it is often misused and can displace domestic workers, while supporters maintain that it helps fill critical skill gaps and supports economic growth, particularly in sectors like technology and healthcare.

The incident has added fresh momentum to the debate, with social media users and policymakers weighing in on both sides. While the video itself remains unverified, its impact has underscored the sensitivity and complexity surrounding immigration policy in the United States.