Harvard, Stanford among 9 US universities in fraud probe over visas for foreign researchers

The Labor Department Inspector General, Anthony D. Esposito, announced a historic investigation into nine U.S. universities for alleged visa fraud affecting foreign researchers, according to a press conference on October 8. Joining Esposito at the event was Vice President JD Vance. The universities under scrutiny include Harvard, Stanford, Brown, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of California, Davis, the California Institute of Technology, Arizona State University, Yale, and MIT.

According to Esposito, the investigation was sparked by concerns that these institutions employ J-1 visa holders, which are issued to exchange visitors such as international researchers, scholars, and students, at a rate of approximately 61%, significantly higher than the national average of 38%. Esposito accused the universities of exploiting these visas to pay American graduate students and researchers significantly less, around $20,000 less than their counterparts.

Vance highlighted the disparity, stating that these universities employ foreign researchers on federally funded grants at a much higher rate than the national average, suggesting something "weird" is going on. The investigation will examine potential abuses, including foreign influence, improper financial relationships, or visa abuse compromising federally funded research at these institutions, according to a report by STAT.

Charged with serving subpoenas on the universities, the Inspector General's office aims to determine if these alleged issues are compromising the integrity of federally funded research. Despite the allegations, each university has responded, asserting their compliance with federal visa laws and cooperation with the investigation. Brown University, MIT, Arizona State University, Yale, Stanford, and Harvard have all confirmed receiving subpoenas and are reviewing the documents.