2 hrs ago
H-1B Visa Program Could Change Amid Fraud Crackdown
The United States is investigating possible cheating and mistreatment in its foreign-worker visa programs.
One official said the H-1B program may look very different in about a year.
Investigators are examining possible fraud, worker exploitation, and human trafficking.
They have checked locations connected to companies with many approved applications.
Indians could be especially affected because they make up most H-1B beneficiaries.
The comments do not mean that current H-1B visas are being canceled.
New rules could affect people applying, extending their visas, or transferring jobs.
The exact changes are not known yet.
US Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito said the foreign-labor visa program could look very different within a year.
The Department of Labor is investigating alleged H-1B and PERM fraud, worker exploitation, and potential human trafficking.
Investigators conducted field checks in Dallas at sites linked to companies with hundreds of approved H-1B petitions.
Indian nationals received 283,397, or 71%, of 399,395 approved H-1B beneficiaries in fiscal year 2024.
The remarks do not cancel existing visas, but future rules could affect extensions, transfers, and applicants outside the US.
- Who
- The US Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, H-1B employers, and foreign workers, particularly Indian nationals.
- What
- Federal investigators are examining alleged fraud, worker exploitation, and potential human trafficking in the H-1B and PERM programs, while broader program changes may follow.
- Where
- The investigation is nationwide, with field checks reported in Dallas, United States.
- When
- The investigations were announced in July, field checks occurred in August, and D’Esposito said the program could look different within 365 days.
- Why
- The administration says certain employers and outsourcing firms have abused H-1B hiring practices, prompting increased scrutiny.
Administration and investigators
Workers and program concerns
Need for stronger scrutiny
Administration and investigators
The administration and investigators say certain employers and outsourcing firms have abused H-1B hiring practices and that evidence of abuse is being developed.
Workers and program concerns
The article emphasizes that these are administration claims, not a finding that H-1B workers generally violated immigration rules.
Effect on Indian workers
Administration and investigators
Officials’ scrutiny could lead to broader changes in how the foreign-labor system operates.
Workers and program concerns
Indian workers are not automatically facing cancellation or removal, but uncertainty could affect future extensions, transfers, and entry applications.
Key facts
- Official warning
- Anthony D’Esposito said the foreign-labor visa program could look very different 365 days from now.
- Investigation focus
- Alleged H-1B and PERM fraud, worker exploitation, and potential human trafficking.
- Dallas checks
- Investigators visited locations connected to companies with hundreds of approved H-1B petitions, including one building associated with more than 500 applications.
- Indian beneficiaries
- Indian nationals accounted for 283,397, or 71%, of 399,395 approved H-1B beneficiaries in fiscal year 2024.
- Existing visas
- The remarks do not state that existing H-1B visas are being canceled or that all Indian workers face removal.
- New petition payment
- A September 2026 presidential proclamation requires a $100,000 payment for covered new H-1B petitions involving workers outside the US, subject to specified exceptions.
- Potentially affected groups
- Existing visa holders, people seeking extensions or transfers, and applicants waiting to enter the US could face different consequences.
Quotes
Anthony D’Esposito
US Department of Labor Inspector General
“I think that the foreign labor visa program is going to look very different 365 days from now than it does today.”
livemint.com
Sources
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