In a shocking blow to immigration fraud, two residents face federal charges for allegedly masterminding a massive Texas visa fraud that exploited U.S. immigration programs for personal profit.
On May 23, 2025, Abdul Hadi Murshid, 39, and Muhammad Salman Nasir, 35, both originally from Pakistan, were indicted in the Northern District of Texas, along with two business entities: The Law Offices of D. Robert Jones PLLC and Reliable Ventures, Inc.
The charges—conspiracy to defraud the United States, visa fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy—paint a picture of a sophisticated scheme that allegedly allowed foreign nationals to unlawfully enter and stay in the U.S.
With potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and possible denaturalization for Murshid, this case is making waves nationwide.
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Texas Visa Fraud Scheme Exposed
The federal indictment, unsealed on May 23, 2025, accuses Murshid and Nasir of orchestrating a sprawling immigration fraud operation that exploited the EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B visa programs.
These programs, designed to bring skilled workers to the U.S., were allegedly twisted into a money-making racket.
According to prosecutors, the defendants placed classified ads for fake jobs to meet Department of Labor requirements, then used fraudulent labor certifications to file visa petitions with USCIS.
To make the non-existent jobs appear legitimate, they allegedly collected payments from visa seekers and funneled portions back as fake payroll, creating a facade of employment.
The scheme didn’t stop at visas.
The indictment claims the defendants simultaneously submitted applications for legal permanent residence, enabling visa seekers to obtain green cards under pretenses.
Murshid faces additional charges for unlawfully obtaining U.S. citizenship, while Nasir is accused of attempting to do the same.
If convicted, both could face up to 20 years in federal prison, with Murshid potentially losing his citizenship through denaturalization.
The involvement of The Law Offices of D. Robert Jones PLLC and Reliable Ventures, Inc., suggests a complex network, with prosecutors alleging RICO violations for running an organized criminal enterprise.
“This case shows the lengths some will go to undermine our immigration laws for profit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham in a statement.
“Pursuing criminal charges to deter this flagrant disregard for the lawful immigration process is a top priority.”
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
The indictment details a multi-year operation that exploited vulnerabilities in the U.S. immigration system. Here’s how it allegedly unfolded:
Fake Job Ads: The defendants placed classified ads for jobs that didn’t exist, satisfying Department of Labor rules requiring employers to prioritize U.S. workers before sponsoring foreigners.
Fraudulent Certifications: After securing labor certifications, they filed petitions with USCIS for EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B visas, which are meant for advanced-degree professionals, skilled workers, and specialty occupations, respectively.
Green Card Applications: Alongside visa petitions, they submitted applications for legal permanent residence, allowing visa seekers to obtain green cards based on fake jobs.
Money Laundering: To make the jobs appear real, the defendants allegedly collected payments from visa seekers, then returned portions as “payroll” to create a paper trail, laundering the illicit funds.
Citizenship Fraud: Murshid and Nasir allegedly sought or obtained U.S. citizenship through fraudulent means, further compounding their charges.
The scale of the operation was staggering. Prosecutors describe it as a “massive, multi-year immigration fraud scheme” that reaped substantial financial gains for the defendants.
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock emphasized, “These laws are necessary to protect national security and safeguard the lawful immigration process.”
The Investigation: A Team Effort to Crack Down on Fraud
The case is the result of a coordinated effort by multiple federal agencies, with USCIS playing a pivotal role.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led the investigation, with significant support from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
USCIS’s expertise in immigration processes helped uncover the fraudulent applications, ensuring the case was built on solid evidence.
“Protecting the integrity of the immigration process is a priority for USCIS,” the agency stated, urging the public to report suspected fraud via the USCIS Tip Form.
The investigation revealed how the defendants allegedly exploited legal pathways like the EB-2 and H-1B programs, which are critical for attracting global talent but vulnerable to abuse without rigorous oversight.
Posts on X reflect public outrage and support for the crackdown.
One user wrote, “Finally, a law firm got caught! This scam went on for years!” while another praised FBI Director Kash Patel for the arrests.
These sentiments underscore the case’s significance as a warning to those exploiting immigration loopholes.
Why This Case Matters
The Texas visa fraud case is more than a legal battle—it’s a wake-up call about the vulnerabilities in America’s immigration system.
The EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B programs are vital for filling labor shortages, with over 140,000 employment-based green cards issued annually, per USCIS data.
But fraud undermines these programs, eroding trust and delaying legitimate applicants. In 2024, USCIS processed over 10 million immigration applications, and cases like this highlight the need for stronger vetting.
The case also comes amid heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement.
In April 2025, USCIS warned that legal permanent residents could face revocation if deemed a threat to national interests, signaling a tougher stance under the Trump administration.
The indictment aligns with broader efforts to crack down on visa overstays and fraud, following incidents like the Boulder terrorist attack, which prompted USCIS, ICE, and CBP to ramp up record reviews.
For visa seekers, the case is a cautionary tale.
Paying for fraudulent services not only risks legal consequences but also jeopardizes immigration goals.
USCIS’s 2025 report notes that fraud referrals to ICE surged by 462 cases since January, showing a zero-tolerance approach.
Immigration Fraud in 2025
The Texas case isn’t isolated.
USCIS has been instrumental in other recent fraud investigations, including:
A Nigerian-born man was indicted for naturalization fraud in North Carolina, hiding an $80 million fraud conviction.
An Albanian national and his American wife were charged with marriage fraud in New Jersey.
An Indian citizen was convicted in Vermont for submitting a fraudulent VAWA visa application.
A nationwide marriage fraud ring was dismantled in Maryland, with four ringleaders indicted.
These cases reflect USCIS’s aggressive push to deter fraud, with 369 arrests facilitated at field offices since January 20, 2025.
The agency’s focus on national security, as outlined in its “First 100 Days” report, includes enhanced screening and partnerships with ICE and HSI to remove criminal aliens.
What’s Next for Murshid, Nasir, and the Case?
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and their case is now in the hands of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Hocter, Tiffany H. Eggers, and Jongwoo Chung are prosecuting, with a trial expected to draw significant attention.
If convicted, Murshid and Nasir face up to 20 years in prison, with Murshid potentially losing his citizenship—a rare and severe penalty.
The case could also impact immigration policy.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns about overbroad enforcement affecting legitimate applicants, citing USCIS’s March 2025 social media disclosure requirement as a due process issue.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s focus on fraud deterrence may lead to tighter visa program oversight, affecting industries reliant on H-1B and EB visas.
How to Stay Safe from Immigration Scams
To avoid falling victim to similar schemes, USCIS offers these tips:
Verify Credentials: Only work with accredited attorneys or representatives listed on the Department of Justice’s website.
Beware of Guarantees: No one can guarantee a visa or green card. Promises of quick approvals are red flags.
Report Fraud: Use the USCIS Tip Form to report suspected scams anonymously.
Check Status Legally: Use USCIS’s official website to track applications, not third-party services.
The Texas visa fraud case exposes the dark side of immigration scams, where greed exploits vulnerable visa seekers and undermines national security.
For Americans, it’s a reminder of the importance of a fair and secure immigration system.
For immigrants, it’s a warning to navigate the process legally to avoid devastating consequences.
As the case unfolds, it’s a chance to demand stronger protections against fraud while ensuring legitimate pathways remain open.
With the FBI, USCIS, and HSI cracking down, this indictment sends a clear message: immigration fraud won’t be tolerated.
Stay tuned with INUS News for updates as this high-profile case heads to court, and let it be a call to safeguard America’s immigration integrity in 2025 and beyond.
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