3 hrs ago
US Launches Visa Fraud Portal Amid H-1B Crackdown
The US government has created a website where people can report suspected visa cheating.
People can report concerns about tourist, student, work or immigration visas.
They can report individuals or organizations such as companies, schools or law firms.
Reports may be anonymous, although officials prefer contact details so they can ask follow-up questions.
The government says visa fraud can include fake documents, fake jobs, sham marriages or using a visa to give birth in the United States.
Officials are especially investigating possible misuse of H-1B work visas and the OPT program for foreign students.
Labor officials said suspected fraud linked to some worker programs could total $20 billion, but they did not provide details.
Some government actions, including a proposed $100,000 H-1B fee, have faced challenges in court.
The US Department of State launched an online portal for reporting suspected visa fraud or misuse.
The portal accepts anonymous complaints involving tourist, business, work, student, immigrant and other visa categories.
Officials cited forged documents, sham marriages, fabricated job offers and birth tourism as examples of potential fraud.
Labor officials said suspected H-1B and foreign-worker-program fraud could involve $20 billion, without providing details.
The administration has expanded investigations to include OPT, healthcare and other industries, while some H-1B measures face legal challenges.
- Who
- The US Department of State, the Trump administration, the Department of Labor and other federal agencies are involved; the public can submit reports.
- What
- The Department of State launched a portal to report suspected visa fraud or misuse across multiple visa categories.
- Where
- The portal is available on the official Travel.State.Gov website.
- When
- The portal was announced on September 23, 2026; related investigations and enforcement actions were reported during 2026.
- Why
- The administration says the effort is intended to protect national interests, American workers, the economy and national security.
Administration and Enforcement Officials
Legal and Program Concerns
Purpose of the crackdown
Administration and Enforcement Officials
The administration says visa fraud harms American workers, the US economy and national security, and that foreign-worker programs should not replace American workers.
Legal and Program Concerns
The article reports that courts blocked the proposed $100,000 H-1B fee after ruling that President Trump exceeded his presidential authority.
Public reporting portal
Administration and Enforcement Officials
Officials say public tips can help identify visa fraudsters and support investigations, and they encourage reporters to provide contact information.
Legal and Program Concerns
The form warns that knowingly submitting false information can have consequences, while anonymous reporting remains available.
Scope of investigations
Administration and Enforcement Officials
Federal agencies have expanded probes beyond H-1B visas to OPT, healthcare and other industries, citing suspected misuse and whistleblower reports.
Legal and Program Concerns
The article provides allegations and agency-reported figures but does not detail the evidence behind the $20 billion estimate or the more than 10,000 potential OPT cases.
Key facts
- Portal
- The Report Visa Fraud page is hosted on Travel.State.Gov.
- Report types
- The portal covers B-1/B-2, H-1B, F-1, immigrant and other visa-related fraud.
- Anonymous reports
- Complaints may be submitted anonymously, although officials encourage reporters to provide contact information.
- Alleged fraud value
- The Labor Department inspector general cited $20 billion in suspected fraud tied to H-1B and foreign-worker programs, without detailing the calculation.
- OPT cases
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement identified more than 10,000 potential fraud cases associated with Optional Practical Training.
- Birth tourism
- The State Department said nearly 900 visas linked to birth tourism had been revoked as of August 2026.
- H-1B fee
- A proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications was blocked by US courts, which ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority.
Quotes
Tommy Pigott
US State Department spokesperson
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. @StateDept is launching a dedicated portal where you can report visa fraud and misuse. Help protect our national interests and crack down on visa abuse: https://t.co/jkr409W6tb.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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