Indian Devotees Turn to Temples for US Visa Prayers Amid Trump Policies

INIndia|

Following a series of executive orders by former President Donald Trump aimed at tightening US immigration policies, many Indian professionals have turned to Hindu temples for help in securing US visas. Notably, the Chamatkari Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad, affectionately known as "Visa Hanuman," has seen an influx of aspiring emigrants praying for visa approvals.

Priest Vijay Bhatt reported to the Times of India that devotees, placing their passports before Lord Hanuman, recite hymns in hope of favor from the deity. He noted instances where prayers resulted in rapid visa approvals, even after prior rejections.

With Trump's administration's push for stricter visa vetting, many are anxious about their chances of emigration. The H-1B visa, essential for skilled workers in fields such as technology, has also become a contentious issue among policymakers.

At Hyderabad's Chilkur Balaji temple, known as the "Visa God" shrine, hopeful emigrants engage in prayers and rituals. Some devotees take extreme measures, committing to dietary restrictions in hopes of favorable outcomes. According to Narayan Mishra, a priest at another temple, many arrive feeling despondent, viewing these spiritual practices as a final effort for divine intervention.

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