Record Settlement for Allegations of Systemic Visa Fraud and Abuse of Immigration Processes
Infosys Corporation, an Indian company involved in consulting, technology, and outsourcing, has agreed to a civil settlement of allegations of systemic visa fraud and abuse of immigration processes by paying a settlement amount and agreeing to enhance corporate compliance measures, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. The $34 million payment made by Infosys as a result of these allegations represents the largest payment ever levied in an immigration case. Infosys is located in thirty countries and in 17 cities in the United States, including a location in Plano, TX. The Plano location is responsible for handling the immigration practices and procedures for the United States ' operations of Infosys. Infosys brings foreign nationals into the United States in order to perform work and fulfill contracts with its customers under two visa classification programs relevant to this matter, H-1B and B-1. According to court documents, the government alleged instances of Infosys circumventing the requirements, limitations, and governmental oversight of the H-1B visa program by knowingly and unlawfully using B-1 visa holders to perform skilled labor in order to fill positions in the United States for employment that would otherwise be performed by United States citizens or require legitimate H-1B visa holders.