Investigation Launched into Visa Fraud
WASHINGTON – Vice President J.D. Vance, alongside the Labor Department’s inspector general, announced an investigation on Wednesday into the misuse of worker visas by foreign nationals in the U.S. This is part of an ongoing effort to crack down on fraudulent activities.
During an anti-fraud event in Milwaukee, Vance noted that labor officials had issued numerous subpoenas as part of this inquiry, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that “American jobs go to American workers…not foreign fraudsters.”
Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito stated that worker visa holders are often exploited to defraud various sectors, including health care. Sometimes, these operations are tied to networks involving forced labor and human trafficking.
D’Esposito asserted that a prior investigation revealed a “widespread scheme” in which employers and labor brokers submitted fake applications, taking advantage of foreign workers through kickback agreements, all while negatively impacting American labor by inundating the market with lower-wage labor.
The Department of Homeland Security indicated that about 21% of H-1B petitions were fraudulent.
D’Esposito also mentioned in a discussion on a Fox Business show that not only H-1B visa workers but also employment-based green card holders will be scrutinized in this investigation.
“Visa fraud is often linked to violent crime,” D’Esposito noted, highlighting connections to cartels and transnational gangs.
He elaborated that the issue extends beyond traditional labor; individuals working in healthcare settings could potentially put patients’ lives at risk.
In Milwaukee, Vance reiterated that this investigation aims to expose those committing immigration fraud that may “undermine” American workers. He explained that the visa program was intended to admit highly skilled professionals like engineers and doctors, but instead, it is being misused by some foreign companies and fraudsters to suppress American wages.
“What we’re doing in the Trump administration is saying, ‘No more,’” Vance declared. “If you’re trying to exploit this visa program, you will not be allowed to enter the United States.”
The H-1B visa enables foreign nationals to work in the U.S. for jobs that require specialized skills. The so-called PERM system allows foreign nationals to pursue employment-based green cards.
Currently, a significant majority of H-1B employees are from India, with many holding master’s degrees and typically working in tech-related fields.
Big tech firms like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple employ numerous H-1B workers, with other sectors such as healthcare and education also utilizing these visas.
The states with the highest petition rates include California, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Washington.
According to recent data, H-1B approvals peaked in 2022 under the Biden administration, reaching over 442,000 applications.
The H-1B visa allows foreign nationals to stay for up to three years, with a possibility of renewal. The PERM process can be indefinite as long as the individual remains employed.
In a recent turn of events, Trump had previously signed an administrative lawsuit imposing a hefty annual fee for H-1B applications, but it was overturned by a federal judge earlier this summer.
Additionally, starting May 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will revoke eligibility for FHA-insured mortgages for non-permanent residents, including those holding H-1B visas.
Before his return to office, Trump remarked that he has “always been pro-visa” and has utilized H-1Bs to hire for many roles at his properties.
