A viral post on X has sparked controversy after claiming that an Indian restaurant in Frisco was hiring only F-1 student visa holders and paying them in cash or through digital transfers. The claim, accompanied by an unverified audio clip, has not been independently confirmed.
The post originated from Carlos Turcios, who identifies himself as a part-time member of the Texas State Guard and a GOP executive committee member in Tarrant County. The claim was amplified by several social media accounts, some of which used inflammatory language calling for an end to what they described as an “Indian invasion” of Texas.
## Audio clip unverified, no official confirmation
The purported audio features a man calling a restaurant advertised as an Indian eatery in Frisco. During the call, a woman allegedly discusses hiring and asks about the caller’s student visa status and college. The restaurant is identified in the clip as Bollywood Pizza House.
However, there has been no official confirmation from authorities, and the authenticity of the audio has not been verified. No evidence has been presented to establish that the restaurant violated US immigration or labour laws.
## Political backdrop to viral claim
The post gained traction amid heightened political rhetoric around immigration and work visas in Texas. Recently, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced restrictions on H-1B hiring in state agencies and public universities. Attorney General Ken Paxton has also launched investigations into firms that previously employed H-1B workers.
While scrutiny of visa compliance is not new, experts caution against conflating unverified online claims with proven violations.
## What the law says on F-1 student work
Under US regulations, F-1 students are generally permitted to work only on campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions. Off-campus employment is restricted during the first academic year and later allowed only under specific, education-related conditions.
Immigration experts have urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims that can fuel misinformation and racial targeting.