H-1B Visa & Indian Donors: Frisco Councilman’s Perspective
- Frisco City councilmember Burt Thakur addressed recent questions regarding campaign donations and the H-1B visa program following a viral video of activist Marc Palasciano questioning the council about...
- Thakur stated he has no direct control over the H-1B visa program, which falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).USCIS is the...
- He emphasized that any investigation into potential wrongdoing would have his full support.
Frisco City councilmember Burt Thakur addressed recent questions regarding campaign donations and the H-1B visa program following a viral video of activist Marc Palasciano questioning the council about donors with Indian surnames and out-of-town addresses. Thakur, the first Indian-American elected to the Frisco City Council in 2025, clarified his limited authority over immigration matters and welcomed federal scrutiny.
Table of Contents
Thakur stated he has no direct control over the H-1B visa program, which falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).USCIS is the federal agency responsible for administering the H-1B visa program and other immigration-related processes. The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
He emphasized that any investigation into potential wrongdoing would have his full support. “I really would have no problem with any federal agency coming in and doing an audit,” Thakur said. ”And if things are found that are illegal… I’ll be the first supporter and the biggest supporter of those agencies coming in and being able to do their job.”
Frisco City Council and H-1B Employment
according to the USCIS database, the frisco City Council does not directly employ any workers under the H-1B visa program. The USCIS provides a public database allowing users to search for H-1B visa sponsors and associated employment information.
USCIS H-1B Employer Data Search
The USCIS H-1B Employer Data search tool allows the public to view information on companies that have filed H-1B petitions. this data includes the employer’s name, location, and the number of H-1B workers they employ. As of january 26, 2026, the database confirms no direct H-1B employment by the Frisco City Council.
Campaign Donations and Influence
Thakur addressed concerns about campaign donations from individuals of Indian descent, asserting that donations do not equate to control or undue influence. he stated he did not vet donors based on their immigration status or visa type, citing his limited access to such information as a local candidate.
“If people have done stuff legally… it’s something that is their right to do,” Thakur said, adding that questioning the presence of Indian residents is offensive. He challenged anyone to specify an acceptable percentage of the population that could be of Indian origin.