‘We have handcuffs ready’: Trump admin warns H-1B visa programme may see major changes

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General has begun a nationwide investigation into potential fraudulent practices and worker exploitation within the H-1B visa program. Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito stated that the foreign-labor visa system could undergo significant changes within the next year due to the ongoing probe. He emphasized that the investigation extends beyond administrative violations and aims to expose alleged abuses of the foreign-labor system.

The investigation has already led to enforcement actions, including the issuance of subpoenas, search warrants, and the suspension of visa applications for specific companies. D'Esposito cautioned that a secure border would involve tightening the H-1B back door, referring to fake employers, sham jobs, visa mills, and worker exploitation.

The Labor Department has also issued an executive order directing the Departments of Labor, Homeland Security, and State to assess whether employers seeking H-1B workers have laid off similarly situated U.S. workers. Additionally, the Wage and Hour Division will review previously submitted Labor Condition Applications to determine if further action is warranted.

The administration has also extended restrictions on the entry of certain H-1B workers through September 21, 2027, requiring a $100,000 payment for covered petitions. This move has led to a 92% decline in H-1B registrations from major U.S. IT outsourcing firms and a sharp drop in requests for consular processing. D'Esposito did not announce the abolition of the H-1B program but indicated that further investigations, company-level enforcement, and potential policy changes are anticipated in the coming year.