Texas Attorney General Targets Visa Fraud in North Texas
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into approximately 30 companies in North Texas suspected of visa fraud, expanding upon an inquiry he first disclosed earlier this year. This investigation primarily focuses on the H-1B visa program, which permits companies to hire foreign talent in specialized fields like information technology and healthcare.
Scrutiny of H-1B Visa Program Intensifies
The H-1B visa program, which previously enjoyed bipartisan support, has recently faced mounting criticism from the Trump administration as well as conservative voters and lawmakers. Paxton’s announcement follows a surge of claims made by conservative influencers in Frisco and neighboring cities alleging visa fraud and signaling an “Indian takeover,” since Indian nationals represent nearly two-thirds of all H-1B approvals.
Community Concerns and Investigative Actions
During a recent event, Paxton expressed his gratitude to influencers like Sara Gonzalez, who have vocalized concerns about visa misuse. In January, Gonzalez shared a video titled “Exposing the Massive H-1B Visa Fraud in Texas,” showcasing her efforts to gather visa-related information by visiting various offices.
Commitment to Address Visa Misuse
In his statement, Paxton emphasized, “We will not allow the H-1B program to be abused by bad actors who seek to use it as a loophole to allow foreign nationals to enter Texas.” He affirmed his office’s dedication to uncovering and eliminating fraud within the H-1B program.
Extensive Document Demands from Investigated Companies
As part of the investigation, Paxton’s office has issued civil investigative demands to the involved companies, requesting documentation on employee identities, records of products and services offered, financial statements, and internal communications. Notable companies under scrutiny include Tekpro IT and Fame PBX in Plano, as well as Tekquency in Cedar Park.
Response from Companies Under Investigation
Virat Solutions, one of the firms implicated, called the fraud allegations “totally baseless,” asserting that it is fully cooperating with the investigation and sharing all relevant documents. The company expressed confidence that the facts will ultimately vindicate them. Other companies targeted have not yet responded to inquiries from media outlets.
Rising Tensions Over Visa Allocation
In recent months, the H-1B visa program has become a contentious issue in Frisco, where the Indian-American population has exploded from just 2% in 2000 to an estimated one-third by 2026. Influencers have motivated their followers to attend city council meetings, revealing vacant “ghost offices” allegedly established to sponsor foreign workers. Nonetheless, allegations of widespread fraud remain largely unproven, and cities have no jurisdiction over the federally managed visa program.
