Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013
Senator Chuck Grassley released the following statement after learning from multiple media reports that the federal government is expected to fine Infosys for immigration fraud and abuse of U.S. visa programs.
Grassley has been working to root out waste, fraud and abuse of the H-1B visa program. As those loopholes are tightened, it appears that companies are circumventing the H-1B program by using the B-1 visa program which does not have the same wage and recruitment restrictions of the H-1B program. Jay Palmer, an Infosys employee who sued the company, was the first to bring evidence to Grassley on regarding these practices.
After hearing about the allegations from Palmer, Grassley asked for a thorough investigation by the Departments of State and Homeland Security of the B-1 visa program and the use of this visa program by employers to recruit foreign workers who are then not subject to the cap and the prevailing wage requirements of the H-1B program. To date, it's unclear if any changes have been made in the policies at the State and Homeland Security departments.
Here is Grassley's comment on the settlement.
"Some companies are finding creative ways to subvert the H-1B visa program and bring in foreign workers to the detriment of Americans workers. Corporate whistleblowers who have brought abusive practices to light reveal that too many companies appear to be pushing the envelope and ignoring the intent or spirit of the law. It's time that the administration and Congress do more to reign in the fraud and abuse to ensure that both American and foreign workers are protected."
