KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Vice President JD Vance announced a sweeping investigation into widespread abuse of U.S. work visa programs, targeting employers and labor brokers engaged in fraudulent practices
- Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito revealed schemes involving forced labor, human trafficking, and wage theft that have cost the medical industry hundreds of millions of dollars
- DHS assessments indicate up to 21 percent of H-1B visa petitions may be fraudulent, with investigations expanding to employment-based green cards
- The Trump administration vows to crack down on corporate misuse of visa programs that undercut American worker wages
Vice President JD Vance confirmed Wednesday that the Trump administration is launching a comprehensive investigation into rampant fraud plaguing U.S. work visa programs, pledging to eliminate schemes that displace American workers with foreign labor. Speaking at an anti-fraud event in Milwaukee, Vance said the probe will protect American jobs by ensuring positions go to citizens rather than what he called “foreign fraudsters.”
Administration’s Crackdown on Visa Fraud
“What we’re doing in the Trump administration, we’re saying, ‘No more,'” Vance declared regarding corporate misuse of visa programs. “What’s happening way too much is that big corporations and fraudsters overseas are using this program to undercut the wages of American workers.”
The vice president emphasized that the H-1B program was originally designed to attract exceptional talent in technology, science, and medicine-not to serve as a vehicle for wage suppression.
Labor Department officials have already issued dozens of subpoenas as part of the sweeping effort.
What Officials Revealed
Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito outlined the scope of the fraudulent schemes during an interview with the New York Post. “Labor’s Office of Inspector General has uncovered widespread schemes in which employers and labor brokers submitted fraudulent applications, exploited foreign workers through coercive wage-kickback arrangements, and undercut American workers by flooding the market with below-wage labor,” D’Esposito said.
The inspector general connected visa fraud to criminal enterprises, stating: “This is another example where fraud is fueling violent crime. This visa fraud is tied to cartels, is tied to transnational gangs.”
D’Esposito warned that the problem extends far beyond manufacturing facilities, reaching into medical centers and physicians’ offices where patient safety could be compromised.
Scale of the Problem
Investigators believe certain operations involve forced-labor networks and human trafficking organizations. The fraudulent schemes have reportedly cost the U.S. medical industry hundreds of millions of dollars while impacting multiple employment sectors.
Department of Homeland Security assessments indicate that as many as 21 percent of H-1B visa petitions may be fraudulent. The investigation will also examine potential abuses involving employment-based green cards, where foreign workers allegedly displaced American employees or obtained immigration benefits through deception.
Background on H-1B Program
The H-1B visa permits U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree. The PERM labor certification process serves as the initial step for many seeking employment-based green cards.
According to Pew Research Center data, approximately 73 percent of H-1B recipients come from India, many holding advanced degrees with concentrations in computer-related fields. Major technology firms including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple rank among the top users of the program.
Foreign workers are also employed extensively in healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education. California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Washington receive the largest share of H-1B approvals. During the Biden administration, petitions peaked at 442,425 in 2022.
Trump Administration’s Stated Commitment
The administration says the investigation demonstrates its resolve to restore integrity to the immigration system while prioritizing American workers and their economic security.
Fox News Digital / CelebBNews contributed to this report.