The chief executive officer (CEO) of a Delhi-based artificial intelligence matchmaking app has grabbed eyeballs after a social media post claimed that his US visa was rejected due to “weak ties to India”. Jasveer Singh, CEO of Knot Dating, described the denial as illogical and ironic. Singh claimed to have been a businessman in India for 13 years and questioned why the authorities would doubt his intention to return to the country.
An old social media post is sparking speculation
Social media users speculated that Singh’s 2016 post, in which he jokingly poked at President Donald Trump, may have influenced the visa decision. “Congratulations USA! You have succeeded in showing that Indians are not just the dumbest people in the world,” the CEO wrote in 2016.
Sharp reactions from users of social networks
In response to the controversy, American political commentator Ryan James Girdusky said:
“You called Americans the stupidest people in the world… why do you even want to come here and why should we take someone who thinks that way about us?”
The issue expanded into a wider debate after Singh did not rule out the possibility that his social media activity may have played a role in the visa rejection.
“So something he tweeted 10 years ago should be taken as their current position? Because we all know what Vance said about Trump 10 years ago,” one user commented.
Some of the responses were sharply critical and offensive. One user wrote: “Low IQ Indians are finding out that US immigrants have access to the internet. These disgusting street shits are exactly the geniuses I think America can’t do without.”
Fix your home nation, Parjeet, and stay out of mine.”
Singh weighed in on suggestions that his online posts may have played a role in the visa denial. “They are also checking social media now. Friend said next time just delete your tweets about US and NRI before the interview is approved and your visa is approved,” the CEO wrote.
Visa rules
Social media screening was expanded to the H-1B and H-4 visa categories as of December 15, although similar screenings have been in place for most other visa applicants since 2019. Applicants for tourist or business visas are also required to submit the names of their social media contacts as part of the application process.
However, there is no confirmation that Singh’s B1/B2 visa rejection was related to his earlier contribution to X. According to the official explanation, the rejection was based on his failure to demonstrate adequate ties to India to ensure his return on the trip.