Another H-1B Visa Scam Is Exposed

It's not quite as bad as Minnesota, but it turns out that Texas has a problem with H-1B visa fraud.

A new bombshell report from Texas Scorecard, and reporter Sara Gonzales, found that nearly 30 businesses in North Texas are suspected of H-1B visa fraud.

"This is an issue that has really bubbled up over the last several months, especially here in Texas" said Brandon Waltens, senior editor at Texas Scorecard, "These businesses are set up essentially, just so that they can bring in people through a visa, without any intention to actually do any work at these companies."

It's a big deal, and it's why Governor Abbott has put a hold on issuing new H-1B visa's here in Texas, until after the next legislative session.

"It's not unlike the fraud we saw in Minnesota with the "learing center" Waltens told KTRH, "Same idea here, businesses that are set up and that don't appear to actually be doing what they say they're doing."

With credit to Sara Gonzales, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement that an investigation has already begun:

Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued Civil Investigative Demands (“CIDs”) to nearly 30 North Texas businesses as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected fraud and abuse of the H-1B visa program. 

 Attorney General Paxton announced that additional entities under investigation include Tekpro IT LLC, Fame PBX LLC, 1st Ranking Technologies LLC, Qubitz Tech Systems LLC, Blooming Clouds LLC, Virat Solutions, Inc., Oak Technologies Inc, Techpath Inc, and Techquency LLC. These companies are suspected of engaging in fraudulent practices designed to exploit the H-1B visa program. Reports indicate that several of these entities have operated so-called “ghost offices” as a scheme in which businesses falsely represent active operations in order to sponsor foreign workers. 

 “I will not allow the H-1B program to be abused by bad actors seeking to use it as a loophole for allowing foreign nationals to invade Texas,” said Attorney General Paxton. “My office will continue working to uncover and put an end to fraud within the H-1B program.” 

 As part of the investigation, Attorney General Paxton has demanded documents identifying all employees working for these companies, records detailing the specific products or services provided, financial statements, and communications related to company operations for the businesses. 

 This announcement is a continuation of Attorney General Paxton’s sweeping investigation into H-1B abuse, which has previously included multiple other Texas companies. The Office of the Attorney General is actively investigating participants in the program to ensure compliance with the law and that the H-1B program puts the interests of Americans first.