Be proactive by engaging with the most effective H-1B attorney now.
Federal authorities, with assistance from state level 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 looks at organizations that sponsor predominantly H-1B non-immigrants, or temporary employees in specialty occupations that require particular expertise. The companies that happen to be the subject of this investigation have asserted that the foreign individuals have been brought to the U.S. to fill current vacancies. However, the companies allegedly have not always had work available for these workers, thereby putting them in non-pay status once they arrive in the United States. In some instances, the foreign employees have allegedly been placed in positions and locales not previously authorized by the Department of Labor, displacing qualified American individuals and violating prevailing wage laws. The businesses and foreign workers have allegedly submitted false statements and documents in support of their visa petitions. The untrue statements and documents were mailed or wired to state and federal government agencies in support of the visa applications. The companies are suspected of visa fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.
U.S. businesses utilize H-1B visas to employ foreign workers in specialty jobs that demand theoretical or technical know-how in specific fields, 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 personnel. Congress sets a numerical limit for the entrance 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).
Protect your company’s assets by hiring an excellent H-1B lawyer right away.
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