New Delhi: Thousands of Indian professionals aspiring to build a life in the U.S. are facing a devastating reality — the so-called “Unshackled 2025” conference is part of an elaborate immigration scam that’s crushing careers and draining bank accounts.
At the center of the controversy are individuals like Soundarya Balasubramani and Nikin Tharan, who run ventures such as Greencard INC and Unshackled. Marketed as a premium conference for achievers, it’s being used as bait to lure vulnerable H-1B visa holders into paying lakhs for fake profiles under the guise of EB-1A green card eligibility.
What Is the Unshackled 2025 Visa Scam?
The event is promoted as a prestigious global summit, but behind the façade lies a well-organized racket. Victims are promised EB-1A visa success through curated “profile packages” priced between ₹3–4 lakh. These packages include:
- Ghostwritten papers lacking any scholarly validation
- Participation in dubious award shows
- Fabricated judging invitations and fake editorial boards
- Plagiarized resumes and SOPs
- Paid PR pieces on unrecognized websites
- Social media gimmicks posing as “international recognition”
These elements are made to mimic legitimate achievements — but according to immigration attorneys, USCIS can easily detect the fraud.
“The templates used are repetitive and quickly flagged. Some even trigger audits,” shared a U.S.-based attorney in an online forum.
Paid Media Fakery: The PR Illusion
A central tactic in the scam involves paid online media placements. For ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, individuals receive “global recognition” — which, in truth, means articles on unranked blogs with zero editorial value.
These articles:
- Are published without journalistic involvement
- Contain recycled content used across different “clients”
- Do not appear in Google News
- Are seen as suspicious by immigration officers
Rather than enhance a visa application, these posts serve as red flags that can jeopardize the entire process.
Victim Impact: Real People, Real Losses
Now, victims are speaking out across Reddit, forums, and social media. The experiences are gut-wrenching:
- EB-1A rejections
- No refunds and communication blackouts
- Immigration records tainted with fraud allegations
- Investigations by USCIS or federal agencies
- Long-term visa ineligibility
“My brother spent ₹3.5 lakh on their services. He was given a fake award and fake press. His visa got rejected, and he’s now blacklisted,” shared one Reddit user.
How to Safeguard Your Immigration Journey
If you’re considering applying for an EB-1A visa, follow these guidelines:
- Consult a certified U.S. immigration attorney
- Never trust “guaranteed approval” offers
- Understand USCIS eligibility criteria thoroughly
- Use the USCIS tip form to report scams
The Bottom Line: Real Merit Can’t Be Bought
The Unshackled 2025 fraud is more than just a scam — it’s an attack on credibility. Fake achievements and paid PR can’t substitute for genuine merit. This deceit not only derails careers but also casts doubt on honest applicants navigating the U.S. immigration system.
Final Word
Unshackled 2025 isn’t a prestigious summit — it’s a front for an EB-1A visa scam targeting Indian professionals. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t risk your future for fake fame and hollow promises.