Ken Paxton has launched a major legal action against nearly 30 companies, accusing them of using fraudulent methods to sponsor foreign workers through the US H-1B visa programme.

The Texas Attorney General’s Office has issued civil investigative demands seeking employee records, financial documents and business correspondence from the firms as part of a wider probe into alleged visa abuse.

Companies named in the investigation include TechPro IT, FamePBX, FirstRanking Technologies, Kubitz Tech Systems, BloomingClouds, Virat Solutions, Oak Technologies, TechPath and TechQuincy.

Authorities allege that some of the companies may have used fake or “ghost” offices — addresses with no real business activity — to support visa applications.

Officials said the investigation is based on suspicions that the firms misused the visa system for improper sponsorship of foreign workers, although no criminal charges have been filed and the allegations remain unproven.

The attorney general said the inquiry aims to prevent abuse of the system and protect American workers, while ensuring compliance with immigration laws.

Most of the targeted firms are reportedly based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, a major hub for the Texas IT sector.

Legal experts say the case highlights ongoing scrutiny of the H-1B programme, which is widely used by US tech companies to hire skilled foreign workers but has also faced repeated allegations of misuse.

Community groups have also raised concerns that the investigation could impact broader South Asian professionals working in the technology sector, while stressing that only a small number of bad actors may be involved.

Authorities said the scope of the probe could expand further, and any violations found could lead to serious legal consequences.