Be proactive by finding an excellent H-1B attorney right away.
Sunday, March 7th, 2010 | Great Sites
Federal authorities, along with support 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 businesses that sponsor predominantly H-1B non-immigrants, or temporary laborers in specialty occupations that involve particular expertise. The companies that are the subject of this specific investigation have asserted that the foreign individuals have been brought to the U.S. to fill existing openings. However, the businesses allegedly have not always had jobs available for these workers, thereby placing them in non-pay status soon after they arrive in the United States. In some cases, the foreign workers have allegedly been placed in jobs and locations not previously authorized by the Department of Labor, displacing qualified American individuals and violating prevailing wage laws. The businesses and foreign employees have allegedly submitted false statements and documents in support of their visa petitions. The untrue statements and documents were mailed or wired to state level and federal 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 utilize H-1B visas to employ foreign employees in niche occupations that demand theoretical or technical know-how in specialised 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 certain 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 employees. Congress sets a numerical cap for the entrance 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 the very best H-1B attorney right now.