❗Let's close the gap: We still need your help to raise $40,000 by April 1. Donate now

Outsourcing giant Infosys faces record immigration fine

Marketplace Staff Oct 29, 2013
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Outsourcing giant Infosys faces record immigration fine

Marketplace Staff Oct 29, 2013
HTML EMBED:
COPY

The Federal Government is reportedly about to issue the a record $35 million immigration fine on Infosys, an outsourcing company based in India, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Infosys allegedly used the wrong type of visa to bring thousands workers into the country. H-1B work visa holders are permitted to stay in the United States for up to three years, but cost the company up to $5,000. However, Infosys is being fined for bringing in workers under a B-1 visa, which is only $160.

“The H-1B is a professional work visa, so that’s something an employer can use to hire a foreign national temporarily,” says immigration lawyer David Merson.

Under the law, B-1 visas are only for things like attending meetings, and conferences, with a few exceptions.

“A prominent company, large fine; I think it will definitely have a chilling effect,” Merson says.

Since the U.S. limits the number of H1-B  visas each year, this record fine could send a message to companies that the government is serious about cracking down on visa abuse.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.