Outsourcing giant Infosys faces record immigration fine

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.