Trump Administration Launches Investigation Into Alleged H-1B Visa Fraud

The Trump administration has launched a wide-ranging investigation into alleged fraud involving the H-1B and PERM visa programmes, with the Department of Labor issuing dozens of subpoenas and opening multiple inquiries.

Vice President JD Vance announced the investigation during a visit to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refuelling Wing. He said the administration was targeting employers and overseas actors accused of misusing the visa system.

"American jobs ought to go to American workers and not foreign fraudsters," Vance said. 

He added that individuals found to be exploiting the programme would be barred from entering the United States. Vance said some large companies and overseas interests had used the H-1B system to reduce labour costs at the expense of American workers. 

He also criticised Democrats for failing to address visa fraud, contrasting the party with what he described as the "blue-collar Democrats" of his grandparents' generation. He presented the investigation as part of the administration's effort to protect domestic employment and prevent wage suppression.

Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito said the investigation covered allegations that visa fraud was linked to labour trafficking and organised crime. In an interview with Fox Business, he claimed fraudulent applications had connections to transnational criminal groups and argued that such activity affected both employment and public safety. 

D'Esposito said whistleblowers had identified Indian IT company Cognizant among firms mentioned in relation to alleged abuses. The investigation follows a series of policy changes introduced by the administration. Last September, it imposed a $100,000 blanket fee on new H-1B applications. 

A federal court later ruled that the fee was an unlawful tax and struck down the measure. The administration has appealed the decision. The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers, particularly in science and technology.