Feds: Pa. firm gamed visa program, stockpiling work visas for landscaping, construction jobs

US: Pa. firm stockpiled temporary-worker visas

PHILADELPHIA — A Pennsylvania company is charged with gaming the work-visa program by obtaining hundreds of temporary visas under phony names.

Federal prosecutors say West Chester, Pa.-based International Personnel Resources Inc. needed the visas to provide seasonal workers to businesses in landscaping, construction and other industries.

The workers came from Mexico and Central and South America. Prosecutors say the firm combed through a Mexican phonebook to pick names of supposed applicants, accumulating hundreds of visas.

Immigration officials say the scheme left fewer visas available for worthy applicants.

Four company officials have been charged. An attorney for one says his client had been discussing the case with prosecutors for more than a year and knew the charges were imminent.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Pennsylvania company is charged with gaming the work-visa program by obtaining hundreds of temporary visas under phony names.

Federal prosecutors say West Chester, Pa.-based International Personnel Resources Inc. needed the visas to provide seasonal workers to businesses in landscaping, construction and other industries.

The workers came from Mexico and Central and South America. Prosecutors say the firm combed through a Mexican phonebook to pick names of supposed applicants, accumulating hundreds of visas.

Immigration officials say the scheme left fewer visas available for worthy applicants.

Four company officials have been charged. Their lawyers did not immediately return phone messages. The company’s phone has been disconnected.