Texas H-1B Shock: 500 Visas, Locked Doors and Dark Offices

A senior US Department of Labor official has raised serious concerns over possible H-1B visa fraud after an inspection in Texas found several companies linked to hundreds of approved petitions apparently operating from offices that looked inactive. Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General of the US Department of Labor, said his team visited a two-storey building in Texas that housed several technology companies. According to him, companies linked to that building had more than 500 approved H-1B applications. However, when investigators knocked on the doors, many offices reportedly appeared closed and there was little sign of active business operations. D’Esposito said the situation raised questions about whether some companies that obtained approvals for H-1B workers were actually functioning from the addresses provided. He said investigators found locked doors, switched-off lights and offices that appeared to have been unused for some time. What Is the H-1B Investigation About? The Trump administration announced increased scrutiny of H-1B and Optional Practical Training programmes in July, with investigators examining employers that sponsor foreign workers. As part of the effort, officials are reportedly visiting company offices to verify whether businesses actually exist, employ workers and operate from the locations mentioned in immigration filings. D’Esposito has described the suspected activity as potentially extending beyond simple immigration fraud. He has alleged that investigators are examining whether some individuals involved in selling jobs or receiving kickbacks may have connections to wider criminal networks. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and such claims have not yet been established in court. Importantly, D’Esposito said foreign workers themselves are not the main target of the investigation. He described many migrant employees as “pawns” who could be exploited by companies or middlemen involved in questionable employment arrangements. The Texas inspection is expected to add to growing scrutiny of staffing and consultancy companies that rely heavily on H-1B workers. If investigators establish that companies obtained visa approvals using fake offices, non-existent jobs or fraudulent employment arrangements, the findings could lead to stronger enforcement and possible changes to the H-1B system. For now, the investigation continues, with officials examining whether some approved H-1B petitions were connected to employers that existed largely on paper.

🚨500+ H-1B approvals. Empty offices. Locked doors.@USlaborIG in Texas knocking on doors. Fraudsters, your time is up. pic.twitter.com/n2k2u9X6ZT

— DOL OIG (@DOLOIG) August 11, 2026