Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched investigations into nearly 30 North Texas businesses over suspected fraud and abuse of the H-1B visa programme. His office issued Civil Investigative Demands, citing reports that some firms may have operated “ghost offices” to misrepresent activity and sponsor foreign workers.
International
-Sathish Raman
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened investigations on Thursday into 30 Texas businesses. The probe focused on suspected fraud and misuse of the H-1B visa programme. Authorities alleged some firms used “ghost offices\” to appear active. The Texas Attorney Generals office said this could help companies sponsor foreign workers.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched investigations into nearly 30 North Texas businesses over suspected fraud and abuse of the H-1B visa programme. His office issued Civil Investigative Demands, citing reports that some firms may have operated “ghost offices” to misrepresent activity and sponsor foreign workers.
The Texas Attorney Generals office said Civil Investigative Demands, or CIDs, went to nearly 30 North Texas firms. Officials suspected practices meant to exploit the H-1B visa programme. The statement cited reports that some entities set up fake operational sites. These sites could be used to support visa filings.
Texas H-1B visa programme investigations target 30 businesses
The companies named in the statement included Tekpro IT LLC, Fame PBX LLC, and 1st Ranking Technologies LLC. Others listed were Qubitz Tech Systems LLC, Blooming Clouds LLC, and Virat Solutions, Inc. The list also included Oak Technologies Inc, Techpath Inc, and Techquency LLC. The office said these were among those under investigation.
According to the statement, several entities allegedly ran \”ghost offices\” as part of the scheme. Officials said such offices could let businesses claim normal operations. Investigators believed this could be used to sponsor foreign workers. The office said the suspected conduct involved fraud and abuse of the H-1B visa programme.
Texas H-1B visa programme probe seeks records and company communications
As part of the inquiry, Paxton demanded documents from the businesses. The requests sought records naming all employees at these companies. Officials also asked for details on products or services provided. The demands included financial statements and messages tied to company operations. The office said these materials were required for the investigation.
The statement linked the move to a broader H-1B effort already under way. It said the new action continued a sweeping investigation that previously covered other Texas companies. Paxton had announced that wider investigation on January 28. The office said the aim was to check compliance with the law.
Texas H-1B visa programme scrutiny follows claims raised by Sarah Gonzales
Paxton, who is contesting the Republican primary for the Senate election, credited a social media influencer. \”I want to thank @SaraGonzalesTX for her efforts in exposing H-1B fraud across the state,\” he said. \”I will not allow the H-1B programme to be abused by bad actors seeking to use it as a loophole for allowing foreign nationals to invade Texas. My office will continue working to uncover and put an end to fraud within the H-1B programme,\” Paxton said.
The Office of the Attorney General said it was actively investigating participants in the programme. Officials said the goal was to ensure the rules were followed. The statement said the office also wanted the H-1B programme to put the interests of Americans first. The investigation into the listed businesses remained ongoing.
With inputs from PTI
