Vice President JD Vance and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General announced a broad new investigation Wednesday into alleged abuse of U.S. employment visa programs, describing it as a major part of the Trump administration’s effort to combat immigration fraud and protect American jobs.
Speaking at an anti-fraud event in Milwaukee, Vance said the initiative is intended to ensure employment opportunities go to qualified American workers rather than individuals who obtain visas through fraudulent means. Officials said investigators have already issued dozens of subpoenas as the probe expands.
Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito said investigators have uncovered schemes that have reportedly cost the U.S. healthcare industry hundreds of millions of dollars while affecting several other sectors of the economy. According to D’Esposito, authorities are also examining suspected connections between visa fraud, forced-labor operations, and human trafficking networks.
He alleged that some employers and labor brokers submitted fraudulent visa applications, pressured foreign workers into wage-kickback arrangements, and used below-market labor to reduce wages for American employees.
The investigation will focus heavily on the H-1B visa program as well as employment-based green card applications. Officials are reviewing cases in which foreign workers may have received immigration benefits through false information or where American workers were allegedly displaced by fraudulent hiring practices.
D’Esposito also argued that visa fraud can contribute to broader criminal activity, claiming that some operations have links to transnational criminal organizations and cartels. He warned that the alleged abuses extend beyond manufacturing into hospitals, medical offices, and other workplaces.
During his remarks, Vance stressed that the H-1B program was originally designed to attract highly skilled professionals in fields such as technology, engineering, science, and medicine. He argued that while many employers use the program appropriately, some companies have exploited it to reduce labor costs by replacing American workers with lower-paid foreign employees.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals for specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree. Many employment-based immigrants also begin the permanent residency process through the PERM labor certification system.
According to Pew Research Center, about 73 percent of H-1B visa recipients are from India, with many working in computer-related occupations. Large technology companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple, are among the largest users of the program, while foreign professionals are also employed in healthcare, manufacturing, education, and other industries.
California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Washington consistently receive the highest number of H-1B approvals. Government data show visa petitions reached a record high of more than 442,000 in 2022.
The Trump administration says the new investigation is intended to strengthen oversight of employment visa programs, prevent fraud, and ensure the immigration system serves both lawful applicants and the interests of American workers.
