Indians flock to Hindu temples to pray for US visas after Trump crackdown

Indian professionals have been flocking to Hindu temples believed to grant prayers for a US visa after Donald Trump signed several executive orders aimed at making immigration to the US more difficult. The rush for divine help has been in evidence at Chamatkari Hanuman temple – popularly called “Visa Hanuman” – in Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat. The temple priest Vijay Bhatt told the Times of India that visa applicants were asked to place their passports before Lord Hanuman, one of the most beloved Hindu deities and known for his monkey-like appearance, and then recite a devotional hymn. “It’s all about faith,” he told the paper. “If you believe, it will happen. If doubts creep in, disappointments follow.” He claimed to have witnessed instances where devotees received approvals within hours of performing rituals, even after multiple rejections. Some travelled far from other states, convinced of the temple’s reputation for securing visa approvals, Bhatt said. Emigrating to the US has long been a status symbol for many Indians. But Trump has put such ambitions in doubt, demanding tougher visa vetting procedures. However, there is a split among some of Trump’s biggest backers over the flagship H-1B visa programme, which allows software engineers and other skilled workers to work in the US. At least two-thirds of H-1B recipients come from India. The row has pitted technology industry supporters such as Elon Musk against immigration hardliners who want the scheme scrapped. Musk says the programme needs “major reform” but also that there is not enough homegrown talent to fill skilled jobs. At Hyderabad’s Chilkur Balaji temple – dubbed the “Visa God” shrine – aspiring emigrants have been chanting prayers, performing rituals and completing 108 circumambulations barefoot, hoping for divine intervention. Among them was a software engineer from Hyderabad who was due to start a new job in New Jersey in April. He had received his H-1B visa approval and was back to offer thanks. “Eleven of us applied last year, but I was the only one who got it,” the engineer told the Times of India, asking to remain anonymous. Another software engineer, Chandana, 26, who did not want her last name used, said she was dismayed when Trump won. She had been visiting the temple every month since applying for a visa two years ago. “I know things aren’t looking bright right now, but I have faith I will get it, just like my relatives did,” she said. In Delhi’s Shree Siddhi Peeth Chamatkari Hanuman Mandir, applicants are taking their devotion even further. “Many people give up meat, alcohol, onion and garlic for 41 days hoping their visa will be granted,” said Narayan Mishra, the temple priest. Devotees write their wishes on slips of paper, which are placed before the deity and chanted over before being stored in a sacred box. “People come in a very disturbed state of mind. This is their last resort, and we usually find that their wishes do come true,” Mishra said.