Trump Administration Launches Major Probe Into Alleged H-1B Visa Fraud, Vance Says
The Trump administration has launched a sweeping federal investigation into alleged fraud and abuse involving the H-1B visa program and employment-based immigration system, with multiple subpoenas already issued, U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at an event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Vance said federal authorities have begun collecting documents and evidence as part of an investigation overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG).
The probe will examine allegations involving the H-1B visa program and the PERM labor certification process, including visa fraud, worker exploitation, wage violations, fake job offers and possible human trafficking-related offenses.
Vance said the H-1B program was created to allow highly skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States but alleged that some employers and intermediaries have exploited the system, creating unfair competition in the labor market.
“The Trump administration is committed to ending abuse of the visa system,” Vance said, adding that legal action would be taken against those found to have violated immigration and labor laws.
According to officials, the investigation will not be limited to the technology sector. Authorities will also review alleged abuses in healthcare, engineering, information technology and other industries that rely on H-1B workers and employment-based immigration programs.
Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito said investigators are examining claims that some employers illegally recovered wages from foreign workers, obtained visas through fraudulent job offers, exploited employees and, in some cases, were linked to organized criminal networks.
He said additional federal enforcement actions could follow if sufficient evidence is uncovered.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign professionals in specialized occupations, while the PERM labor certification process is required for many employment-based green card applications, requiring employers to demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are unavailable for the position.
Federal officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no individual or company has been formally charged or found guilty of wrongdoing at this stage.
The announcement comes amid renewed political debate over U.S. immigration policy and the future of employment-based visa programs, as the Trump administration continues to push for stricter enforcement against immigration fraud while emphasizing protections for American workers.
