Is Desi Indian Consultancy Fraud a Concern? Today, we’re diving into the world of Desi Consultancies in the US. Opinions about them vary widely—some are positive, some negative, and some extremely negative.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• An exploration of desi consultant.
• The origins and rise to prominence of desi consultant.
• The advantages associated with desi consultant.
• Reasons behind their infamous reputation.
• Unethical practices commonly observed among desi consultant, supported by examples.
• Strategies employed by desi consultant for placement.
• Instances where desi consultant have positively impacted individuals and their assistance.
• Our final assessment: Are they beneficial or detrimental?

When did Desi Consultancies in the USA gain prominence?

As we delve into Desi Consultancies, it’s imperative to grasp their origins. Let’s delve into their history.

Desi Consultancies have existed for decades, but their ascent to prominence began in the early 2000s with the surge in popularity of the H-1B visa program.

We’re all aware that a significant proportion of H-1B visa holders are Indian IT professionals. They turned to Desi Consultancies to navigate the intricate visa application process and secure employment opportunities in the US. Initially, things seemed promising.

However, as more individuals pursued the American dream, the demand for such consultancies skyrocketed. Where there’s demand, opportunists emerge, exploiting loopholes in the system.

Pros of Desi Consultancies

Now, let’s explore some of the benefits offered by Desi:

Cultural familiarity:

Most staff at these consultancies are Desis who have spent considerable time in the US, possessing a profound understanding of both cultures. They comprehend our background, habits, and practices, aiding us in navigating the complexities of job hunting in a foreign land.

Industry expertise:

Many Desi Consultancies specialize in IT and engineering staffing and consulting, catering to the robust demand for skilled professionals. They offer guidance on resume crafting, interview preparation, and sometimes even extensive training to enhance our competitiveness in the job market.

Access to job opportunities:

Desi Consultancies often have established ties with companies seeking skilled workers, granting candidates access to unadvertised job openings. This proves particularly advantageous for international students struggling to network effectively for initial job placements.

Visa support:

Arguably their most significant advantage lies in their willingness to sponsor H-1B visas, extending this assistance not only to international students but also to individuals on H4 visas. Additionally, they provide support in cases of H1B visa layoffs, facilitating transfers and aiding in job searches.

Why are they infamous in the US?

Desi Consultancies in the US have acquired a stained reputation due to their purported engagement in visa fraud and unethical practices. Let’s explore some examples of these unscrupulous behaviors.

Here are some news pieces about the same:

• https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/new-jersey-it-ceo-charged-defrauding-worker-visa-program
• https://www.uscis.gov/archive/consultants-from-california-and-texas-charged-with-visa-fraud-and-conspiracy
• https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/houston-consulting-company-admits-h-1b-visa-fraud-conspiracy

Moreover, the narrative surrounding H-1B workers allegedly displacing American jobs has gained traction in recent years. This perception portrays Desi Consultancies as threats to American employment and the economy, alleging that they exploit the H-1B program to import foreign workers willing to accept lower wages, thus undercutting qualified American candidates.

Indian Consultancy Fraud: Unethical Practices by Desi Firms

Desi Consultancies employ various practices to place candidates, some of which are deemed unethical or fraudulent. Although many are aware of these practices, desperation often leads individuals to engage with them.

Resume fraud:

Fabricating or exaggerating qualifications on resumes to enhance candidates’ profiles is a common practice. This can entail falsifying work experience, educational credentials, or technical skills, constituting illegal conduct with severe consequences.

Pay to play or Pay to Stay:

Demanding fees from candidates in exchange for job placement services or visa filing assistance is prevalent. Such fees, often disguised as “training” or “placement” charges, are illegal and can result in civil and criminal penalties.

Recently, revelations emerged about an Indian firm known as Wireclass, alongside four additional shell companies, exploiting numerous Indian students by providing counterfeit offer letters to assist them in sustaining their OPT/OPT extension status.

Falsifying information:

Submitting multiple H-1B visa applications for the same candidate using different identities or addresses violates program regulations. This practice, if discovered, can lead to visa fraud charges and permanent ineligibility for future visa applications.

Inflating salaries:

Some consultancies inflate candidates’ salaries on visa applications to meet program requirements, potentially leading to visa fraud charges if detected.

Misrepresentation of job details:

Misrepresenting job duties or working conditions to secure job offers is unethical and can result in severe consequences for both candidates and employers.

Interview Prep:

Some consultancies reportedly appear for interviews on behalf of candidates or provide prompts during interviews, misleading employers about candidates’ qualifications.

Identifying reputable Desi Consultancies

Despite these practices, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not all Desi Consultancies engage in unethical conduct. Identifying reputable consultancies amidst the sea of options can be challenging. Some red flags indicating potential problems include:

• Requests to include irrelevant experience or exaggerate skills on resumes.
• Demands for payment in exchange for visa promises or job placements.
• Assurances of securing IT jobs without prior experience.
• Offers to “manage” or influence the interview process.

Final Verdict

While some Desi Consultancies resort to unethical practices, painting the entire industry with the same brush would be unjust. Many consultancies genuinely train candidates and facilitate placements at reputable companies, enhancing their prospects. They occupy a gray area, offering necessary services while facing criticism for their practices.

It’s important to understand that experiences with Desi Consultancies vary. Sharing personal experiences can offer diverse perspectives, enriching our understanding of the industry.

Related Post: Potential Risks of maintaining F-1 OPT or H-1B Status Without real Employment Offer