Vice President JD Vance and Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito announced a broad investigation into alleged widespread abuse of U.S. work visa programs, describing it as a central part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration fraud.
Speaking Wednesday at an anti-fraud event in Milwaukee, Vance said the probe seeks to protect American workers by ensuring jobs go to U.S. citizens rather than “foreign fraudsters.” Labor Department officials have already issued dozens of subpoenas.
Inspector General D’Esposito told the New York Post that the schemes under review have cost the U.S. medical industry hundreds of millions of dollars and affected multiple employment sectors. Investigators believe some operations involve forced-labor networks and human trafficking organizations.
“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.
Department of Homeland Security assessments indicate that as much as 21 percent of H-1B visa petitions may be fraudulent. The investigation will also examine potential abuses involving employment-based green cards, including cases where foreign workers allegedly displaced American employees or obtained immigration benefits through deception.
D’Esposito linked the fraud to broader criminal activity, stating, “This is another example where fraud is fueling violent crime. This visa fraud is tied to cartels, is tied to transnational gangs.” He warned that the issue extends beyond factories to medical facilities and doctors’ offices, potentially endangering patients.
At the Milwaukee event, Vance emphasized the original intent of the H-1B program: to attract exceptional talent in technology, science, and medicine. “What’s happening way too much is that big corporations and fraudsters overseas are using this program to undercut the wages of American workers,” he said. “What we’re doing in the Trump administration, we’re saying, ‘No more.’”
The H-1B visa program 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 hold advanced degrees, with the largest concentration in computer-related fields. Major technology firms including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple are among the top users of the program. Foreign workers are also employed in healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education.
California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Washington receive the largest share of H-1B approvals. Petitions peaked at 442,425 in 2022 during the Biden administration.
The administration says the investigation underscores its commitment to restoring integrity to the immigration system and prioritizing American workers.
