US Prosecutors Uncover Major Immigration Fraud Operation in Texas
Federal prosecutors in the United States have announced charges against two individuals in connection with a large-scale visa fraud scheme based in North Texas. The operation, which allegedly ran for more than seven years, involved fraudulent immigration filings linked to work visas and employment-based green cards.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
According to court documents filed on May 21, 2025, in Texas, the defendants, identified as Abdul Hadi Murshid and Muhammad Salman Nasir, are accused of orchestrating a scheme that operated from January 1, 2018, through May 21, 2025. Prosecutors allege that the duo submitted or facilitated the submission of fake immigration applications for foreign nationals seeking to live and work in the United States.
The indictment states that the defendants "engaged in a scheme to commit visa fraud to enrich themselves and others, and to cause individuals to fraudulently obtain entry into and immigration status in the United States." This included applications for the H-1B work visa and employment-based green cards under the EB-2 and EB-3 categories.
False Information in Immigration Documents
Authorities claim that Murshid, Nasir, and others prepared or arranged the submission of immigration documents containing false information. "That is, Murshid, Nasir, and others submitted and caused to be submitted false and fraudulent visa applications, for individuals who were not United States citizens … so the visa seekers could enter and remain in the United States," the indictment details.
Some of the fraudulent documents allegedly included false details about job offers, employment roles, or the qualifications of foreign workers. The H-1B visa program, which allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in specialized occupations in the US, requires employers to first submit a labor certification to the US Department of Labor, followed by a petition to US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Scope and Impact of the Fraud
Prosecutors revealed that individuals mentioned in the case include citizens of Pakistan, Egypt, India, Nepal, and the United Kingdom. Some applications allegedly sought permanent residency through employer sponsorship, highlighting the broad reach of the scheme.
In a separate allegation, Murshid is accused of unlawfully obtaining naturalization by providing false statements in his own citizenship application between May 1, 2015, and November 1, 2018. The indictment claims he "did knowingly procure and obtain and apply for and otherwise attempt to procure and obtain naturalization and citizenship for himself, to which he was not entitled." Murshid has pleaded not guilty to these charges, according to court records.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the US Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Court proceedings are ongoing, with a final pretrial conference scheduled for September 4, 2026.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges in immigration enforcement and the vulnerabilities within visa programs. As legal actions continue, it serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent checks and balances in the immigration system to prevent such fraudulent activities.
