Key Takeaways
• Two naturalized citizens and a law firm charged with multi-year immigration and visa fraud in North Texas.
• Scheme exploited EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B visa programs using fake jobs and false petitions.
• Defendants face conspiracy, money laundering, RICO charges; up to 20 years prison and loss of citizenship.
Federal prosecutors in North Texas have charged two naturalized citizens, a law firm, and a business entity in what they describe as a “massive, multi-year immigration fraud scheme.” The indictment, announced on May 23, 2025, marks one of the most extensive visa fraud cases in the region’s recent history. The alleged operation targeted several employment-based visa programs and involved complex financial activities that, according to authorities, undermined the integrity of the United States 🇺🇸 immigration system.
Who is involved?
The main defendants are Abdul Hadi Murshid, 39, and Muhammad Salman Nasir, 35, both originally from Pakistan. They are joined by the Law Offices of D. Robert Jones PLLC and Reliable Ventures, Inc. All face serious federal charges, including conspiracy to defraud the United States 🇺🇸, visa fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Murshid and Nasir are also accused of unlawfully obtaining and attempting to obtain U.S. citizenship, which could result in losing their citizenship if convicted.
What happened?
According to the indictment, the group orchestrated a sophisticated plan to exploit the EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B visa programs. These programs are designed to help U.S. employers fill jobs with skilled foreign workers when qualified Americans are not available. The defendants allegedly:
- Placed fake job ads to meet Department of Labor rules
- Obtained labor certifications based on these non-existent jobs
- Filed false petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to secure immigrant visas and green cards
- Created the appearance of real employment by moving money between visa seekers and the business, making it look like legitimate payroll
Federal prosecutors say the scheme was driven by financial gain, with the defendants collecting large sums from people seeking visas and returning some of the money as fake paychecks.
Where and when did this happen?
The alleged activities took place in North Texas over several years, with the indictment and initial court appearances occurring in May 2025.
Why does it matter?
This case is important because it exposes vulnerabilities in the U.S. immigration system, especially in employment-based visa programs. It also highlights the risks when trusted professionals, like lawyers, are accused of breaking the law. The outcome could affect how immigration fraud is investigated and prosecuted in the future.
How did authorities respond?
The investigation was led by the FBI, with help from the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, USCIS, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Hocter, Tiffany H. Eggers, and Jongwoo Chung.
Details of the Alleged Immigration Fraud Scheme
The indictment describes a plan that took advantage of the EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B visa programs. Here’s how the alleged scheme worked:
1. Fake Job Advertisements
To get employment-based visas, U.S. employers must show they tried to hire American workers first. This usually means posting job ads and going through a recruitment process. The defendants allegedly placed ads for jobs that did not exist, only to meet these requirements.
2. Fraudulent Labor Certifications
After posting fake ads, the group allegedly submitted applications for labor certification to the Department of Labor. Labor certification is a step where the government checks if hiring a foreign worker will hurt job opportunities or wages for Americans. By using fake jobs, the defendants reportedly got certifications they should not have received.
3. False Petitions to USCIS
With labor certifications in hand, the defendants allegedly filed false petitions with USCIS. These petitions are supposed to show that a real job offer exists and that the foreign worker is qualified. The group is accused of lying on these forms to get immigrant visas and green cards for their clients.
- For more information about the employment-based visa process, visit the USCIS Employment-Based Immigration page.
4. Fake Payroll and Money Transfers
To make the jobs look real, the defendants allegedly accepted payments from visa seekers and then returned part of the money as fake payroll. This created a paper trail that made it appear as if the foreign workers were actually employed by the business.
Law Enforcement and Legal Response
The investigation brought together several federal agencies, showing how complex and serious immigration fraud cases can be. Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham for the Northern District of Texas said, “These defendants are charged with engaging in extensive measures to hide a massive, multi-year immigration fraud scheme through which they reaped substantial personal financial gain. Pursuing criminal charges to deter and punish this type of flagrant disregard for the lawful immigration process is a top priority of this Office.”
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock called the operation an “international criminal enterprise” that “repeatedly undermined our nation’s immigration laws.” He also pointed out the national security risks that come with such schemes.
Court Proceedings and Potential Penalties
The defendants appeared in court on May 23, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rebecca Rutherford. Detention hearings are set for May 30, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian McKay. If found guilty, they could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Murshid and Nasir, as naturalized citizens, also face the possibility of denaturalization. This means they could lose their U.S. citizenship if the court finds that it was obtained through fraud.
Background: Immigration Fraud in the United States 🇺🇸
Immigration fraud is a serious crime in the United States 🇺🇸. It can take many forms, including:
- Document fraud: Using fake or altered documents to get immigration benefits
- Marriage fraud: Entering into a fake marriage to get a green card
- Visa fraud: Lying or providing false information on visa applications
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 made penalties for immigration fraud much tougher. People found guilty can face jail time, fines, and removal from the United States 🇺🇸. In some cases, even those who already became citizens can lose their citizenship if it was obtained through fraud.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, immigration fraud cases have become a top priority for federal agencies, especially as more complex schemes are uncovered. The involvement of professionals, such as lawyers and business owners, adds another layer of concern for authorities and the public.
How Visa Fraud Schemes Work
Visa fraud schemes often involve several steps and can be hard to detect. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Recruitment: Fraudsters find people who want to move to the United States 🇺🇸 and are willing to pay for help.
- Fake Jobs or Marriages: They create fake job offers or arrange sham marriages to make it look like the person qualifies for a visa.
- False Documents: They prepare and submit fake documents to government agencies.
- Money Transfers: They move money around to make the scheme look real, sometimes using fake payroll or business transactions.
- Cover-Up: They may coach clients on how to answer questions from immigration officers or create fake work histories.
These schemes can involve many people, including lawyers, business owners, and even employees inside companies.
The Role of Law Firms and Professional Ethics
One of the most troubling aspects of the North Texas case is the involvement of a law firm. Immigration lawyers are supposed to help clients follow the law and guide them through complex processes. When a law firm is accused of breaking the law, it can damage trust in the entire legal system.
Lawyers must follow strict rules of professional conduct. If found guilty of immigration fraud, they can lose their license to practice law, face criminal charges, and be banned from representing clients in immigration matters.
Impact on Immigrants and Employers
For immigrants:
People who pay for help with their visas often trust that their applications are being handled legally. If they are caught up in a fraud scheme, they can lose their chance to stay in the United States 🇺🇸, face removal, or even be banned from returning. In some cases, they may not even know they were part of a scam until it’s too late.
For employers:
Companies that unknowingly hire workers through fraudulent means can face penalties, lose access to visa programs, and suffer damage to their reputation. Employers must be careful to follow all rules and check that their immigration paperwork is accurate and honest.
For the community:
Visa fraud can make it harder for honest immigrants and employers to use legal programs. It can also lead to stricter rules and more paperwork for everyone, as the government tries to stop future fraud.
Government Efforts to Prevent Immigration Fraud
The U.S. government has several ways to fight immigration fraud:
- Investigations: Agencies like the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Labor work together to find and stop fraud.
- Audits: The government checks companies and law firms that file lots of visa applications.
- Public Awareness: USCIS and other agencies warn people about common scams and how to avoid them.
- Penalties: People found guilty of immigration fraud can face jail, fines, and removal from the United States 🇺🇸.
For more information about how the government fights immigration fraud, visit the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate.
What to Do If You Suspect Immigration Fraud
If you think you have been a victim of immigration fraud, or if you see something suspicious, you can:
- Report it to the Department of Homeland Security’s tip line
- Contact USCIS or the Department of Labor
- Talk to a trusted immigration lawyer (make sure they are licensed and in good standing)
It’s important to keep copies of all documents and emails, and never pay for immigration help in cash without a receipt.
Lessons and Next Steps
The North Texas case is still moving through the courts, but it already offers important lessons for immigrants, employers, and legal professionals:
- Be careful who you trust: Always check the credentials of anyone offering immigration help.
- Follow the rules: Make sure all information on visa applications is true and complete.
- Stay informed: Learn about the visa process and your rights. The USCIS Forms page has official forms and instructions.
- Report fraud: If you see something wrong, speak up. Reporting fraud helps protect everyone.
As the case continues, it may lead to new rules or stronger enforcement to stop similar schemes in the future. It also shows the need for ongoing education and oversight in the immigration system.
Conclusion
The recent indictments in North Texas highlight the serious consequences of immigration fraud and visa fraud for everyone involved. The case shows how complex these schemes can be and why strong enforcement and public awareness are so important. By staying informed and following the law, immigrants and employers can protect themselves and help keep the U.S. immigration system fair for all.
For official information about employment-based visas and how to apply legally, visit the USCIS Employment-Based Immigration page.
If you need help with your immigration case, always use a licensed attorney or accredited representative. Avoid anyone who promises guaranteed results or asks for large payments up front. By working together, we can help stop immigration fraud and keep the system working for those who follow the rules.
Learn Today
EB-2 visa → Employment-based visa for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in sciences or arts.
RICO Act → Law targeting organized crime, punishing racketeering and conspiracies to defraud the government.
Labor certification → Government approval confirming no qualified American workers are available for a foreign worker’s job.
Denaturalization → Legal process where a naturalized citizen can lose citizenship if obtained by fraud or illegal means.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency managing immigration benefits and petitions.
This Article in a Nutshell
Federal prosecutors charged two citizens, a law firm, and a company for a massive North Texas immigration fraud scheme exploiting employment-based visas, risking severe penalties and citizenship loss. The case exposes vulnerabilities in the system and highlights federal efforts to protect immigration integrity against complex fraudsters.
— By VisaVerge.com
