FRISCO, Texas (Diya TV) — Frisco’s first Indian American city council member, Burt Thakur, has rejected allegations linking him to immigration fraud and claims of demographic manipulation. The accusations surfaced during a City Council meeting on Jan. 20 and quickly went viral online.
Resident and activist Marc Palasciano accused Thakur and other officials of abusing the H-1B visa program. He also suggested that the growing Indian population in Frisco might be the result of organized efforts to shift the city’s demographics. Palasciano raised questions about campaign donations from individuals with Indian surnames, some of whom live outside Frisco, implying a possible connection to political influence.
In response, Thakur, a U.S. Navy veteran, denied the claims in a phone interview with The Dallas Express. He said he has no authority over federal immigration policy or visa enforcement. “H-1B is something that I have no control over,” he said. “That’s a USCIS issue. That’s a federal government responsibility.”
Thakur emphasized that he welcomes any investigation into wrongdoing. “I really would have no problem with any federal agency coming in and doing an audit,” he 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.”
Federal records show the City of Frisco does not directly employ H-1B workers. Thakur also stressed that campaign donations from Indian residents do not grant donors influence over his work. “I am very proud of my donors,” he said. “Lawful contributions do not translate into control over an elected official.”
Palasciano had also alleged that Thakur used a consulting firm linked to a past fraud case. He later acknowledged in an email that he had confused two companies with similar names and issued an apology. However, Palasciano maintained that his broader questions about campaign donations and H-1B-linked companies remain valid.
Thakur called it offensive to suggest that the presence of Indian residents is a problem. “Please, feel free to tell me what percentage of the population is allowed to be Indian,” he said. He described his role as focused on local government issues, such as roads, police funding, and workforce development, rather than national immigration policy.
The controversy highlights Frisco’s rapid growth and increasing diversity. Thakur was elected to the council in 2025 and became the city’s first Indian-American council member. He acknowledges that Indian voters played a significant role in his election but says his focus is on ensuring civic participation aligns with his political values. “I’m trying to make sure they are America First Republicans, not Democrats, as they are in other parts of the country,” he said.
Thakur also pointed to his military service around the time of 9/11 as a foundation for his commitment to American jobs and public service. He said his priorities include improving infrastructure, public safety, and bringing higher-paying jobs to Frisco, where the median home price is now around $600,000.
Palasciano, who describes himself as a former T-Mobile whistleblower, said he does not believe Thakur is driving demographic changes. “I see Burt as a product of those demographics already changing. Indians showed up to the voting polls to make sure they got their guy in office,” he wrote in an email.
Thakur encouraged residents to focus on participation rather than accusations. “Exercise your freedom of speech. Go out and vote,” he said. “If we have [fraud] here, I’ll be the first one to tear it down. … But if your problem is that you just don’t like it, I can’t help you.”
