FBI BUSTS Visa Fraud – Lawyers FACE 20 Years

FBI agents have arrested two Pakistani immigration lawyers in Texas for operating a sophisticated visa fraud network that undermined America’s immigration system and harmed American workers through falsified job applications.

At a Glance

• Two Pakistani nationals were arrested in Texas for running a massive visa fraud operation involving fake job listings
• The defendants exploited EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B visa programs by creating fraudulent employment advertisements
• The scheme involved receiving payments from visa seekers and returning portions as fake payroll to create the appearance of legitimate employment
• If convicted, they face up to 20 years in federal prison with one defendant potentially facing denaturalization
• The case represents part of the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to combat white-collar immigration fraud

Elaborate Visa Fraud Scheme Uncovered

Federal authorities have disrupted a complex visa fraud and migrant smuggling operation in Texas allegedly masterminded by two Pakistani immigration lawyers. The defendants, identified as Murshid and Nasir, were arrested following an extensive investigation into their fraudulent exploitation of various U.S. visa programs. The pair allegedly submitted false visa applications and arranged immigration status adjustments for non-citizens seeking to enter and remain in the United States illegally through seemingly legitimate channels.

According to the Department of Justice, the defendants systematically abused the EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B visa programs by creating fake job advertisements to satisfy Department of Labor requirements. Their operation involved collecting substantial payments from foreign nationals seeking visas, then returning portions of these funds as fake payroll to create the appearance of legitimate employment. This elaborately orchestrated scheme allowed them to profit significantly while helping unqualified foreign nationals circumvent proper immigration channels.

Serious Charges and Legal Consequences

The indictment against the Pakistani nationals includes charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, visa fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and RICO conspiracy. Both defendants made their initial court appearances on May 23, 2025, with detention hearings scheduled for May 30, 2025. The gravity of their alleged crimes is reflected in the potential penalties, with both facing up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Additionally, Murshid could face denaturalization proceedings.

“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,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham.

The case represents the culmination of efforts by multiple federal agencies working in coordination. The FBI led the investigation with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and IRS Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Hocter, Tiffany H. Eggers, and Jongwoo Chung.

Broader Impact on Immigration Policy

This arrest comes amid renewed efforts by the Trump administration to intensify investigations into white-collar migration crimes. The federal government currently allows approximately 1.5 million migrants to work in white-collar positions in the United States through various visa programs, including H-1B and EB categories. These programs have long faced criticism for creating opportunities for fraud and negatively impacting American professionals and national productivity.

“The defendants allegedly oversaw an international criminal enterprise for years that repeatedly undermined our nation’s immigration laws. These laws are necessary to protect national security and safeguard the lawful immigration process,” stated FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.

The Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are now prioritizing efforts to combat visa fraud and illegal preferences against American workers. The FBI has expanded its priorities for tips to include procurement and federal program fraud, trade and customs violations, and federal immigration law violations. This case could potentially lead to further investigations of the lawyers’ prior clients and uncover additional instances of fraud throughout the system.