Be proactive by engaging with the best H-1B lawyer right away.
Federal authorities, with support 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.
This particular investigation involves businesses that sponsor mostly H-1B non-immigrants, or temporary staff in specialty occupations that involve special expertise. The companies that happen to be the subject of this specific investigation have stated that the foreign workers have been brought to the U.S. to fill existing openings. However, the companies allegedly have not always had work available for these workers, thereby putting them in non-pay status soon after they arrive in the United States. In some cases, the foreign workers have allegedly been placed in positions and locales not previously authorized by the Department of Labor, displacing qualified American employees and violating prevailing wage laws. The companies and foreign workers 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 government agencies in support of the visa applications. The businesses are suspected of visa fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.
U.S. businesses use H-1B visas to employ foreign employees in specialised jobs that require theoretical or technical know-how in specific 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 meet specific labor conditions to ensure that American workers are not adversely impacted, while the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division safeguards the treatment and compensation of H-1B personnel. Congress sets a numerical cap for the admission of skilled workers into the U.S. The present 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).
Stay out of trouble by engaging with an excellent H-1B lawyer now.
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