The US is expected to fine Infosys $35 million on Wednesday in a case of visa violations often cited by those who use it to accuse Indian tech firms of taking away American jobs.
Infosys is alleged to have manipulated travel documents to enable workers from India serve long tenures to US in violation of visa rules, as cheaper alternatives to American workers.
US attorney office of eastern district of Texas said a news conference had been called for Wednesday morning to announce the deal that will end the case.
But the Wall Street Journal said quoting unnamed officials that the government could announce a fine of $35 million at that news conference, to finally resolve the case.
Kenneth J Mendelsohn, counsel of Jay Palmer, Infosys employee whose allegations in 2011 triggered a probe, refused to comment, directing questions to US attorney.
The resolution, whatever the outcome -- a fine or something more drastic, may have a bearing on the larger debate taking place in the US on immigration reforms.
Many in US feel the visa regime ought to be tightened to deny Indian IT firms unfettered access to cheaper workers brought from home on temporary visas.
The current mood seems hostile with US economy struggling with indifferent employment numbers. A bill passed by senate punishes Indian firms dependent on Hi-B visas.
The House of Representatives, which is being pushed by President Barack Obama to pass a version of the senate bill -- any avatar -- has taken a milder view.
But it’s an open issue now, causing much grief in India.
Palmer had in 2011 alleged he was harassed by Infoys, and denied routine service benefits because he had pointed to irregularities in hiring of Indian co-workers.
Two years later, his allegations, which had started an investigation by the state department and the department of homeland security, formed the basis for another case.
A Wisconsin resident sued Infosys for discriminating against non-Indian and non-Asian workers earlier this year. More complainants have since joined the suit.
Infosys is alleged to have manipulated travel documents to enable workers from India serve long tenures to US in violation of visa rules, as cheaper alternatives to American workers.
US attorney office of eastern district of Texas said a news conference had been called for Wednesday morning to announce the deal that will end the case.
But the Wall Street Journal said quoting unnamed officials that the government could announce a fine of $35 million at that news conference, to finally resolve the case.
Kenneth J Mendelsohn, counsel of Jay Palmer, Infosys employee whose allegations in 2011 triggered a probe, refused to comment, directing questions to US attorney.
The resolution, whatever the outcome -- a fine or something more drastic, may have a bearing on the larger debate taking place in the US on immigration reforms.
Many in US feel the visa regime ought to be tightened to deny Indian IT firms unfettered access to cheaper workers brought from home on temporary visas.
The current mood seems hostile with US economy struggling with indifferent employment numbers. A bill passed by senate punishes Indian firms dependent on Hi-B visas.
The House of Representatives, which is being pushed by President Barack Obama to pass a version of the senate bill -- any avatar -- has taken a milder view.
But it’s an open issue now, causing much grief in India.
Palmer had in 2011 alleged he was harassed by Infoys, and denied routine service benefits because he had pointed to irregularities in hiring of Indian co-workers.
Two years later, his allegations, which had started an investigation by the state department and the department of homeland security, formed the basis for another case.
A Wisconsin resident sued Infosys for discriminating against non-Indian and non-Asian workers earlier this year. More complainants have since joined the suit.
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