How the System Works

American corporations may be unknowingly doing business with tech services companies that underpay and otherwise mistreat workers. One example of alleged wrongdoing:

THE WORKER

Indian software programmer Prasad Nair moved to the U.S. in 2008 on a work visa. He claims he was offered a job in Michigan at a salary of $60,000, plus medical insurance and travel expenses.

THE SPONSOR

United Business Technologies in Troy, Mich., sponsored Nair's visa, but, he claims, forced him to sign a new contract requiring him to pay visa and travel costs. UBT denies any wrongdoing.

THE STAFFING AGENCY

UBT sent Nair to a tech services outfit, Larsen & Toubro Infotech, to find him a job. Larsen & Toubro, which is not accused of any wrongdoing, declined to comment for this story.

THE CLIENT

Larsen & Toubro placed Nair in a job in the San Diego offices of tech giant Qualcomm. He claims UBT, his official employer, paid him less than the prevailing wage. UBT has countersued Nair for failure to give proper notice when he quit and for defamation. Qualcomm and Larsen & Toubro are not accused of any wrongdoing.