Archive for the 'Fraud' Category

Why PG County Schools’ Wage Violations May Throw Its H-1B Teachers Out of the US

In the wake of Maryland’s Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) settlement agreement involving H-1B wage violations, questions have been raised about the unfair effect this is having on the victims, the teachers who will be forced to leave their jobs and the United States once their H-1B time runs out.
As part of the settlement [...]

What Happened to the H-1B Employees Charged with IT Employer as Visa Fraud Conspirators?

The H-1B employees who were originally indicted as co-conspirators in connection with Vision Systems work visa fraud scheme have either plead guilty to reduced charges or had charges dismissed last year.  Apparently, these results were in exchange for the H-1B workers cooperating with the investigation and prosecution of their employer.
Most of those who plead guilty did so [...]

Feds Cracking Down with Criminal Convictions Against Employers for H-1B and Work Visa Fraud

H-1B and other employers who run work visa scams have more to fear than just the Department of Labor for their violations. These employers increasingly are facing criminal convictions and imprisonment on charges typically used against organized crime and trafficking rings, such as the Mafia.
In the past several months, federal prosecutors have publicized several cases against employers [...]

H-2 Employee Rights: H-2B Temporary Workers

Image by Julie70 via Flickr

Today’s article will discuss the H-2B visa worker, common problems (including unpaid wages) H-2B workers face, and legal rights for those workers.
The H-2B visa is for short-term or seasonal workers in non-agricultural positions, such as landscape, cleaning, construction, hotel, and restaurant workers.
Some H-2B employers unlawfully seek fees from H-2B workers, fail [...]

FDNS Explains the 3 Types of Site Visits It Conducts; Which One May Apply to You?

USCIS has released more details about its new fraud detection program marked by surprise site visits, according to AILA. During DHS’ recent program on employment-based visa fraud, the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) office, explained the three types of site visits it is conducting:
1. Risk Assessment Program fraud study. These visits involve any type [...]

H-1B Fraud Detection Site Visits in Full Swing. What Should You Expect?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched a new program in which it is making unannounced site visits throughout the United States to monitor and detect fraud among H-1B employers and their H-1B employees.
In this article we explain what happens during these site visits and your rights and obligations under the law so [...]

H-1B Employers Among Newest Target of IRS Looking for Wage Abuse

H-1B employers who engage in financial shenanigans with their employees’ wages have more potential problems than just DOL or USCIS investigations. They are now under heightened scrutiny by the IRS.
The Large and Mid-Size Business Division of the IRS recently announced it is prioritizing audits of tax withholding agents related to payment of wages to non-resident [...]

Keeping Your Nose Clean: Refuse Your H-1B Employer’s Requests to Break the Law

The recent indictments alleging H-1B and green card fraud show the dangers that can occur if H-1B employees agree to perform unlawful acts requested by their employers.
Has your H-1B employer asked you to work in a city different than the city stated in your H-1B documents?  Or, has your H-1B employer told you to list [...]

Employees Among Those Charged in Recent H-1B and Green Card Fraud Bust

While the recent H-1B and green card fraud bust has been applauded for focusing attention on abusive and exploitative H-1B employers and “bodyshops,” short shrift has been given to the fact that several H-1B employees were also indicted for their alleged participation in the scheme.
Of the 11 people arrested last week, eight were employees. The [...]

Report Shows H-1B Program Fraught with Fraud; What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?

Not surprisingly, a recent USCIS report confirms thousands of H-1B employees are being underpaid, benched, or performing menial tasks instead of the high-skilled work were promised.
If you are one of those employees, you should know, however, that you do not have to simply accept this treatment and hope a better job comes along. You have the [...]