Texas-based journalist and whistleblower Sara Gonzales has released another exposé, this time alleging how illegal recruiters operate from India while placing students in the US and siphoning off a portion of their salaries.
In her latest YouTube video, Gonzales said she uncovered a network of so-called recruiters who openly post their phone numbers on social media, urging F-1 visa students to contact them for STEM OPT extensions.
She noted that many of these numbers carry Indian country codes. To verify the claims, her video producer went undercover and contacted one such recruiter to understand the process.
Gonzales explained that the STEM OPT extension allows eligible international students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to continue working in the US after graduation.
The programme extends regular Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing students to work for up to three years — one year under standard OPT and an additional two years under STEM OPT.
According to the undercover call, the recruiter offered an employment letter without asking for the applicant’s résumé or prior work experience.
The operation was allegedly linked to a company called Exito, whose parent firm was identified as Loggin In Tech Inc.
The recruiter reportedly demanded $1,000 for issuing an offer letter and proposed a salary-sharing arrangement in which 30% of the employee’s monthly pay would be taken by the company, leaving the worker with 70%.
The undercover caller was told he would receive a monthly salary of $2,100, paid in two cheques of $900 each, while an additional $300 would be shown as going to the IRS.
Gonzales highlighted that such practices are illegal under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services rules.
She stressed that no employer or intermediary is permitted to take a percentage of the salary of a STEM OPT worker — or even an H-1B visa holder — under US immigration law.
She warned international students to be cautious of recruiters offering quick offer letters and salary-sharing deals, calling such schemes clear violations that could put students’ legal status at serious risk.