Inspection of Labor Program Abuse Intensified by Administration
Following extensive calls for action regarding the mistreatment of legal immigrants, the Trump administration has adopted a more assertive approach.
Recently, Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito appeared on a television program, openly discussing noteworthy changes in the Department of Labor’s ongoing fraud investigation.
“As Inspector General, my primary goals are to reveal fraudulent activities, safeguard American workers, and hold offenders accountable,” he stated.
His focus centers on the H-1B visa program as well as the PERM—Program Electronic Review Management System. He remarked that investigations have already “unearthed” evidence related to both fraud and “human trafficking.”
In his interview, D’Esposito emphasized that the Labor Department would likely take “the most aggressive measures against foreign labor fraud” seen from current administration inspectors.
He also noted that enforcement efforts are already in motion, with “numerous citations issued.” He mentioned that whistleblowers from leading firms, including Cognizant, have come forward to discuss issues surrounding PERM and H-1B visas.
While the investigations themselves do not imply direct wrongdoing, data from the Department of Labor indicates that Cognizant has significantly relied on the H-1B program, particularly as of the second quarter of 2026.
In just three months, Cognizant was able to secure around 3,440 H-1B visa authorizations, according to government figures.
A review of PERM data for 2025 highlighted notable companies involved in the program:
- Microsoft
- FPL Food LLC
- Integrated Catfish Producers LLC
- South Georgia Pecan Company
- JCG Foods of Georgia LLC
- Akash Management LLC
- Oracle America, Inc.
- Benefits Logistics
- Walmart Associates, Inc.
- Salesforce Co., Ltd.
In 2025, around 80,700 certification applications for the PERM program were submitted. However, this program is primarily a preliminary step for obtaining specific visa approvals, not a direct visa issuance mechanism.
“My team and I have tirelessly collaborated with President Trump and Vice President Vance’s Fraud Task Force to highlight and combat fraud, ensuring the protection of taxpayer funds and bringing wrongdoers to justice. For too long, those engaging in fraud felt they could exploit America’s employment-based visa system without consequence,” D’Esposito noted.
“What we’re dealing with is more than mere paper fraud. It involves the exploitation of at-risk workers, coercion, the displacement of American workers, and severe human trafficking issues. My main role as Inspector General is to reveal fraud, protect American workers, and detain those responsible.”
D’Esposito added that his team will closely work with Trump and Vance’s Fraud Task Force to thoroughly investigate every lead.
While attempts to reach Cognizant and the Office of the Inspector General for comments were unsuccessful initially, the investigation continues to gain traction.
