Austin, Jan. 29 -- The Texas Office of the Attorney General has announced a sweeping investigation into alleged abuse of the H-1B visa program, placing three North Texas businesses at the center of a broader inquiry into potential fraud tied to foreign worker sponsorships.

The investigation, revealed in a statement issued January 28, signals an escalation in the state's scrutiny of companies suspected of exploiting the federal visa system.

According to the statement, Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to the three businesses. These legal demands require the companies to produce extensive documentation related to their operations, finances, and employment practices. State officials believe the firms...