Infosys In $34 Million Settlement for U.S. Immigration Violations

The large Indian technology company Infosys has agreed to pay $34 million in a civil settlement after federal prosecutors in Texas alleged it had committed “systemic visa fraud and abuse” when bringing temporary workers to the U.S. on H-1B and B-1 visas. This kind of settlement is the largest ever in a visa case and while the details are scarce at this point, it shows that the U.S. government is starting to crack down on large scale abuse of some of the most common visa programs.

The Allegations and the Settlement

After an investigation of more than two years, prosecutors are expected to unveil today the settlement after accusations that Infosys knowingly and unlawfully brought Indian workers into the U.S.  on business visitor visa (B-1) dating back to 2008.    Additionally, Infosys is accused of having conducted improper I-9 compliance.   The company has agreed to pay $5,000,000  for civil or administrative forfeiture. It will pay $5,000,000 to the Department of State for Civil or Administrative forfeiture, and $24,000,000 to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

One of the reasons Infosys used the B-1 visa so extensively is that unlike the H-1B work visa (a common alternative), the B-1 has no annual quota and the costs are many times lower than for H-1B.   According to the allegations, Infosys systematically submitted misleading information to U.S. immigration authorities (at the Consulates and at the port of entry)  in order to secure admission to its B-1 business travelers.

For example, the settlement alleges that an invitation letter submitted by Infosys in 2008 stated that the purpose of the B-1 visa trip was for “customer discussions and related business development activities”, when, in fact, as known by Infosys, the purpose of the trip was to engage in activities not authorized under a B-1 visa such as coding, programming, testing, implementing, etc.

The settlement also alleges irregularities with the H-1B/LCA program compliance.   Prosecutors cite instances where Infosys H-1B workers who applied for an H-1B visa stamp were directed by Infosys to inform the U.S. immigration authorities that their actual workplace destination in the U.S. was the same as the workplace described in the Labor Condition Application (LCA) supporting the H-1B petition; however, Infosys and the foreign workers both knew that the foreign nationals have been assigned to work at a different U.S. worksite (not mentioned in the LCA or H-1B documents).

The settlement also alleges I-9 compliance irregularities.   After an investigation, federal authorities are alleged to have discovered significant I-9 compliance irregularities which could have allowed thousands of foreign nationals to continue working in the U.S. even after their visas or authorized status had expired.

Three Lessons from the Infosys Case

Our office is not familiar with the details of this case other than what is being reported in the media.   Over the next few days, more details are certain to come out.   But we would like to focus on the allegations and draw some important lessons for the benefit of our readers and clients.

B-1 Visa and Status Do Not Authorize Work.   The B-1 business visa program is designed to allow foreign nationals to come to the U.S. for a short period of time (less than six months) for the purpose of conducting business — conduct meetings with vendors or partners, visit a production facility, negotiate a contract or financing, training customers or partners, giving a speech or a presentation or similar business-related activity.    The B-1 visa does not allow work in the traditional sense of the word — engaging in a productive work, paid or unpaid.

H-1B and LCA Documents Should be Correct and in Compliance.    When submitting an H-1B visa stamp application or then traveling to the U.S. on H-1B status, both companies and H-1B workers should ensure that their H-1B and LCA documents reflect accurately the terms of the H-1B employment, including the actual H-1B worksite (for third-party placements).     When necessary, a new LCA and, possibly, an H-1B amendment should be processed as quickly as needed and as possible, even if this is after the fact (in other words, late compliance is better than no compliance).

I-9 Compliance Matters.   For employers of all sizes, it is easy to dismiss I-9 compliance activities, especially once an initial I-9 is completed.   But the Infosys settlement proves that the government will do I-9 investigation often in conjunction with another immigration violation, take seriously a number of irregularities and assess significant fines.    For all companies, but especially those who employ at least one foreign national, I-9 compliance and re-verification are becoming very important.

Conclusion

We will continue to monitor and report on additional important details and developments stemming from the Infosys settlement.    At the same time, we hope that the Infosys case will serve as a reminder that it is important to have adequate internal policies to ensure B-1, H-1B/LCA and I-9 compliance.

In addition to handling a number of visa matters, such as B-1 and H-1B, our office has developed a leading practice of I-9 compliance and we are able and happy to provide compliance advice on these issues.  Please feel free to contact us if our office can be of any assistance.   Please feel free to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to obtain developments on this and related topics.