Archive · 9 Oct 2026
US Probes Nine Universities Over Alleged J-1 Visa Misuse
The US government is checking whether nine universities followed the rules when bringing foreign researchers to the country.
These researchers use a temporary visa called a J-1 visa.
Vice President JD Vance says the universities may be using the programme to pay researchers less than American workers.
The government also says it wants to make sure research paid for with public money is protected.
The universities have not been found guilty of breaking the rules.
MIT says it received a subpoena and is reviewing it.
Arizona State University says it followed the law.
The investigation could lead universities to change how they hire and support international researchers.
The Trump administration is investigating nine universities over alleged misuse of the J-1 visa programme.
Vice President JD Vance said J-1 visa holders make up 61% of researchers on federally funded projects at the universities, compared with a claimed national average of 38%.
The Labor Department has issued subpoenas and plans to establish a dedicated visa fraud strike team.
MIT confirmed receiving a subpoena and said it is reviewing the request; Arizona State University said its recruitment complies with US law.
The universities face allegations of lower wages and possible risks to federally funded research, but the article reports no findings of wrongdoing.
- Who
- The Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance and the US Department of Labor, is investigating nine universities.
- What
- An inquiry into alleged misuse of J-1 visas, including claims of lower pay for foreign researchers and concerns about federally funded research.
- When
- Announced on Thursday, October 8; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- Nine US universities: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of California, Davis, Caltech, Arizona State University and MIT.
- Why
- The administration says it is examining potential visa violations, wage undercutting, improper financial arrangements and risks to federally funded research.
Administration's allegations
Universities' responses
Use of J-1 researchers and wages
Administration's allegations
JD Vance alleges the universities rely excessively on J-1 visa holders and may use them to undercut wages for American graduate students and researchers.
Universities' responses
MIT says its J-1 visa holders are vetted and authorized by the US government and says international scholars contribute to American research and innovation. ASU says its recruitment complies with US policy and law.
Research security and compliance
Administration's allegations
The Labor Department says it will examine possible visa abuse, improper financial relationships and foreign influence affecting federally funded research, including risks it associates with China.
Universities' responses
The article does not report a detailed response from all nine universities. MIT says it takes its legal obligations seriously, while ASU says it has complied with applicable policy and law.
- Universities under scrutiny
- Nine
- J-1 share cited by Vance
- 61% of researchers on federally funded grant projects at the nine universities
- National comparison cited by Vance
- 38%
- Enforcement steps
- The Labor Department has issued subpoenas and plans a dedicated visa fraud strike team.
- MIT response
- MIT confirmed it received a federal subpoena and said it was reviewing the request.
- Arizona State University response
- ASU said it recruited talent in compliance with existing US policy and law.
- Chinese J-1 visa holders
- The National Immigration Forum estimates approximately 39,000 Chinese nationals hold J-1 visas in the US.