Indian H-1B Employee Sues Texas Firm Over Alleged Visa-Related Extortion

An Indian professional working in the United States has filed a lawsuit against a Texas-based company, alleging that he was pressured to pay thousands of dollars to retain his H-1B visa status. According to the complaint, Rishikesh Raj Misala arrived in the U.S. on a student visa and completed his master's degree in 2023 before securing an H-1B-sponsored position. He claims that despite being placed on the company's reserve bench without active project assignments, he was asked to make substantial payments to remain officially employed and maintain his immigration status.

The lawsuit further alleges that the company withheld essential payroll documents, including pay stubs, unless additional payments were made. These documents are critical for H-1B employees seeking visa extensions or employment transfers. Rishikesh also claimed that company representatives threatened to report him to U.S. immigration authorities if he questioned the demands. Represented by Banias Law, he is seeking compensation for alleged unpaid wages and forced payments totaling nearly $97,248. The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and the company's owner, Sai Jitender Kalagara, has not publicly responded to the claims.