US Labor official slams H-1B program, blames govt and companies, not workers

U.S. Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito has launched a comprehensive investigation into fraud within the H-1B visa program, according to Breitbart. D’Esposito described the program as a "criminal enterprise" that extends beyond U.S. borders, with criminal networks exploiting American white-collar jobs. He stressed that the blame lies not with individual H-1B workers, but with the federal government and employers for allowing unchecked exploitation.

The probe is part of Vice President JD Vance's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which began in July and has already uncovered other crimes in multiple states. D’Esposito noted that oversight of visa programs has been historically minimal, allowing companies to rely heavily on foreign labor and undercutting American workers. He argued that many firms now use the H-1B program to staff entire workforces, with H-1B workers often earning 25-30% less than their American counterparts.

When visas expire, some workers are pressured into illegal, exploitative work. Lawmakers and investors are increasingly critical of the program's impact on U.S. workers, and the investigation aims to protect the labor market, not target migrants. A proposed rule could remove the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders who lose their jobs, forcing them to leave the U.S. immediately without the ability to change their immigration status or employers. The proposal is currently under review.