US EditionFor Chinese Visa-Seekers in the US, the Path to Good Fortune Lies in … Chick-Fil-A?
Chinese applicants are using Chick-fil-A wordplay and temple prayers as the H-1B lottery remains a matter of chance, with more than 46,000 approved in 2024.
- Chinese visa applicants are adopting Chick-fil-A branding for luck, believing the name sounds like 'check files.' Though the chain has no branches in China, students use the logo hoping to influence their H-1B lottery outcomes.
- The H-1B lottery remains notoriously difficult for Chinese applicants, who comprise 11.7% of approvals. The Trump administration's abrupt $100,000 fee on new visas a few months ago created chaos and fostered a chilling atmosphere for foreign workers.
- Prayers for visa success have spawned a new profession: agents like 24-year-old Meng Yanqing in Beijing visit the Lama Temple for clients. Data scientist Fan Wu traveled to Hawaii for Japanese Taoist rituals, saying 'I was forced to turn to these mysteries.'
- After repeated lottery losses, data analyst Harriet Peng visited an upstate New York temple to pray. AI engineer Zhou Yilu in Wilmington, Delaware, claims 'It feels like I am one step closer to the green card' after a Chick-fil-A meal.
- Despite the anxiety surrounding visa status, Migration Policy Institute associate director Juliet Gelatt says the United States has 'really benefited as a country and as an economy from bringing in smart young people from all around the world, including from China.
45 Articles
45 Articles
One recent weekend afternoon, in a Chinese comedy show in northern Virginia, the host asked the audience: “What food do you like?” The strongest response echoed in the room: “Chick-fil-A!” “You haven’t gotten the H-1B visa lottery yet, eh?” the host joked, referring to the most popular work visa among Chinese students. It’s a very common joke in the Chinese student community, where those who crave to get American visas believe that their chances…
Why Chinese immigrants to America love Chick-fil-A so much
On a recent weekend afternoon, at a Chinese comedy show in northern Virginia, the host asked the audience, “What food do you like?” The loudest answer echoed through the hall: “Chick-fil-A!” “You still haven’t gotten your H-1B lottery, ha?” quipped the host, citing the most popular work visa among Chinese students. It’s an easy-to-get joke in the Chinese student community, where those eager for U.S. visas believe their chances at success might h…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 81% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
