Trump Administration Initiates 100+ Investigations into H-1B Visa Program
Project Firewall” targets alleged H-1B abuses as administration prioritizes American workers amid growing legal challenges.
WASHINGTON, Nov 8: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has launched at least 175 investigations into potential abuses within the H-1B visa program, as part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on foreign worker visas, Fox News reported Friday.
The initiative, dubbed “Project Firewall” and launched in September, targets companies allegedly exploiting the H-1B system, which allows U.S. firms to hire foreign workers in specialized fields such as information technology, engineering, and healthcare.
“The Department of Labor is using every resource at our disposal to put a stop to H-1B abuse and protect American jobs,” DOL Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said on X. She added, “Under the leadership of @POTUS, we’ll continue to invest in our workforce and ensure high-skilled job opportunities go to American Workers FIRST!”
The White House echoed the announcement, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posting that the administration is committed to protecting U.S. jobs.
This crackdown follows a series of measures, including a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications signed by President Trump in September. In October, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis directed state universities to end H-1B hires, asserting that positions should be filled by local residents, criticizing the practice as “cheap labor.”
The policy has faced opposition and legal challenges, including lawsuits from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Earlier, five U.S. lawmakers including Ami Bera, Salud Carbajal, Derek Tran, and Julie Johnson urged the President to reconsider the September proclamation, citing potential impacts on U.S.-India relations and highlighting the role of H-1B holders in driving innovation and job creation.
India-born workers received over 70% of approved H-1B visas in 2024, reflecting both a backlog in approvals and a high number of skilled applicants from India.
The administration maintains that reforms aim to prioritize American workers and ensure the integrity of the H-1B visa program while addressing alleged abuses by employers.
