v8futures.com

Federal authorities, utilizing assistance from state and local law enforcement, served search warrants at addresses in Urbandale and Clive, Iowa; in Santa Clara, Rancho Cucamonga and Arcadia, Calif.; and in South Plainfield, N.J.

The investigation covers organizations that sponsor mostly H-1B non-immigrants, or temporary personnel in specialty occupations that demand special skills. The businesses that are the subject of this specific investigation have claimed that the foreign individuals have been brought to the U.S. to fill existing vacancies. However, the companies allegedly have not always had work available for these workers, thereby putting them in non-pay status after they arrive in the United States. In some cases, the foreign workers have allegedly been placed in jobs and locations not previously authorized by the Department of Labor, displacing qualified American workers and violating prevailing wage laws. The businesses and foreign employees have allegedly submitted false statements and documents in support of their visa petitions. The false statements and documents were mailed or wired to state and federal agencies in support of the visa applications. The businesses are suspected of visa fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.

U.S. firms make use of H-1B visas to employ foreign employees in specialised jobs that call for theoretical or technical know-how in specialised job areas, such as scientists, engineers, or computer programmers. As part of the H-1B program, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) require U.S. employers to fulfill specific labor conditions to ensure that American workers are not negatively impacted, while the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division safeguards the treatment and compensation of H-1B employees. Congress sets a numerical cap for the admission of skilled workers into the U.S. The current H-1B cap is set at 65,000 per fiscal year. H-1B aliens can work in the United States for three years, with an option for an additional three years (for a maximum of six years).

Be proactive by engaging with the most effective H-1B lawyer now.