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

The Trump administration is warning that the H-1B visa programme may undergo significant changes over the next year as it expands an investigation into alleged foreign-labor fraud, worker exploitation, and potential human trafficking. Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito stated that the foreign-labor visa system could look substantially different a year from now, signaling tougher scrutiny and enforcement against companies and practices that investigators believe have abused the programme.

The investigation goes beyond paperwork or administrative violations, with federal authorities working to establish a broader case involving alleged abuses of the foreign-labor system. Enforcement steps have already been taken, including issuing subpoenas, executing search warrants, and suspending visa applications involving certain companies.

The administration has also issued an executive order directing the Departments of Labor, Homeland Security, and State to consider whether employers seeking H-1B workers have carried out layoffs affecting similarly situated US workers, further tightening oversight of the H-1B programme.

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