Infy under US DoJ lens over H-1B classification

BENGALURU: Ifosys is under investigation by the US Department of Justice over the classification of certain H-1B visa recipient employees working for one of its clients in immigration documents filed with US govt authorities. Infosys said it is engaged in discussions with the DoJ regarding the ongoing investigation and is continuing its own inquiry into the matter.In a regulatory filing, the company said it is unable to predict the outcome of the matter, including whether it could have a material adverse effect on its business and results of operations.Infosys faced similar probes earlier. In 2013, the company agreed to pay $34 million (Rs 215 crore) in penalties to settle alleged visa fraud and I-9 paperwork errors under investigation by the US Department of Justice. In 2017, Infosys reached a $1 million settlement with New York State over failure to compensate hundreds of workers brought in on work visas and to pay applicable state taxes. The company said the agreement concluded New York State’s investigation relating to taxes paid in 2010–2011, without any criminal or civil charges being filed.Infosys CEO Salil Parekh refuted reports that any of the company’s employees were detained or deported by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His statement followed a viral social media post that raised concerns among Indian professionals on H-1B visas in the US. Speaking during the earnings conference on Wednesday, Parekh clarified the company’s position: “No Infosys employee was apprehended by any US authority. A few months ago, one of our employees was denied entry into the US and was sent back to India.” A post on X that went viral on Tuesday detailed an Infosys employee from Mysuru, reportedly on an onsite assignment in the US. The post claimed that the employee was taken by ICE agents and given two hours to choose between jail or deportation. After reportedly opting to return to India, he was escorted by US authorities onto a flight via Frankfurt. The post also noted that Infosys lawyers received the employee at Bengaluru airport, and the company was providing counselling and exploring potential legal action against ICE.