Indian H1B Worker Files Lawsuit Against Texas Tech Firm for Wage Theft and Coercion

Rishikesh Raj Meesala, an Indian H1B worker, has filed a lawsuit against a Texas-based tech firm, alleging exploitation of his immigration status and wage theft. The lawsuit claims he was coerced into making cash payments to maintain his employment while receiving little to no compensation. Meesala's allegations include forced labor and threats of reporting him to ICE. He is seeking over $97,000 in damages for unpaid wages and emotional distress. The case raises significant questions about compliance with U.S. immigration laws and the treatment of foreign workers in the tech industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2026, 06:48 IST

Allegations of Exploitation by Texas Tech Company

An Indian worker on an H1B visa has brought forth serious allegations against a technology firm based in Texas and its Indian-origin owner, claiming they exploited his immigration status, withheld his wages, and coerced him into making significant cash payments to maintain his employment in the U.S. Rishikesh Raj Meesala has filed a lawsuit against Progress and its owner, Sai Jitendra Kalagra. The lawsuit details that Meesala was recruited for an H1B Visa role but found himself in a situation where he had to finance his own employment while receiving minimal or no pay.

The legal action cites multiple violations, including forced labor, trafficking, servitude, wage theft, and coercion related to immigration. The company has yet to publicly address these allegations, which remain unproven in a court of law. Meesala initially entered the U.S. on an F1 Visa, completed his Master's degree in December 2023, and began Optional Practical Training before being offered an H1B position in March 2024.

Claims of Payroll Manipulation to Control Immigration Status

Lawsuit Alleges Payroll Payments Were Used To Control Immigration Status

According to court documents, Meesala's H1B application was selected in June 2024, and he officially started working on October 1, 2024. However, he claims that on his first day, he was placed on the 'bench', a term used in the industry for employees not assigned to active projects. The lawsuit states that the company informed him he would not receive any wages while benched and would need to pay the company to keep his payroll processing active.

Meesala alleges that company officials told him maintaining payroll records was essential for preserving his immigration status and for any future H1B extension or transfer. He reportedly delivered around $8,800 in cash to the company's office in Plano, fearing the loss of his legal status in the U.S. The lawsuit argues that this payroll arrangement gave the company undue influence over his immigration prospects. U.S. immigration laws typically require H1B employers to pay their workers the wages outlined in their labor condition applications, regardless of project availability, making unpaid benching a significant compliance issue if proven.

Threats and Financial Demands from the Company

Worker Claims ICE Threats And Unpaid Wages

The lawsuit indicates that Meesala did not receive any salary for October and November 2024. He only received wages in December 2024 and January 2025 before payments ceased again. The filing further claims that the company demanded over $10,700 in additional cash for immigration processing fees, filing costs, and other expenses. Meesala asserts he was warned that his H1B sponsorship could be revoked if these payments were not made.

Among the most alarming allegations are claims that representatives of the company threatened to report him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The lawsuit states that Kalagra warned Meesala's father that ICE could be involved if the worker pursued any complaints against the company. Additionally, the complaint alleges that the company accessed Meesala's Gmail account in late 2025 to check if he had consulted an attorney regarding potential legal action. These claims have not been independently verified.

Meesala is seeking damages exceeding $97,000, which includes unpaid wages and payments he claims were coerced from him. The lawsuit also states that he experienced severe emotional distress, anxiety, and panic attacks during this troubling period.