Pay or lose H-1B visa: Indian in US says Indian-origin CEO extracted $100K, files lawsuit

An Indian national working in the United States has filed a lawsuit against an Indian-origin CEO, accusing him of extracting $100,000 by threatening to revoke the plaintiff's H-1B visa. The case, filed in a U.S. federal court, alleges that the CEO demanded the payment as a condition for retaining the visa sponsorship.

According to the lawsuit, the CEO told the employee that if he did not pay, the company would withdraw its H-1B petition, leading to the loss of legal status and potential deportation. The plaintiff claims he paid the sum under duress to protect his immigration status and livelihood.

The lawsuit seeks the return of the $100,000 plus damages for extortion, breach of contract, and violation of labor laws. It also alleges that the CEO used the H-1B visa system as a tool for personal financial gain, exploiting the employee's vulnerability.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about H-1B visa holders' susceptibility to employer coercion, as their legal residency is tied to a single sponsor. Legal experts say such lawsuits are rare but underscore the power imbalance in the visa program.