Vice President JD Vance and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General announced Wednesday a sweeping federal investigation into alleged abuse of U.S. work visa programs, marking one of the Trump administration’s most significant immigration enforcement actions to date.
Speaking at an anti-fraud event in Milwaukee, Vance said the investigation is designed to protect American workers by ensuring U.S. jobs are not taken through fraudulent visa practices.
“What we’re doing in the Trump administration, we’re saying, ‘No more,'” Vance declared, accusing some corporations and overseas labor brokers of exploiting the H-1B visa program to suppress wages and replace American workers.
According to Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, federal investigators have already issued dozens of subpoenas as they examine what officials describe as widespread fraud involving H-1B visas and employment-based green cards.
D’Esposito told the New York Post that investigators have uncovered alleged schemes in which employers and labor brokers submitted fraudulent applications, forced foreign workers into wage-kickback arrangements, and undercut American workers by hiring labor below prevailing wages.
He also alleged that some of the operations being investigated may be connected to forced-labor networks, human trafficking organizations, transnational gangs, and drug cartels, calling the issue “another example where fraud is fueling violent crime.”
Federal officials say the investigation extends beyond the technology sector and will examine alleged abuses in healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries, including claims that fraudulent employment practices may have displaced American workers or improperly secured immigration benefits.
The Department of Homeland Security has previously estimated that up to 21% of H-1B visa petitions may involve fraud or technical violations, a figure investigators say highlights the need for increased oversight.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree. It is widely used by technology companies, healthcare providers, universities, and manufacturers.
According to Pew Research Center, roughly 73% of H-1B visa recipients are from India, with many working in computer science and engineering fields. Major employers using the program include Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple.
Federal data shows the largest number of H-1B approvals are issued in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Washington, with petitions reaching a record 442,425 in 2022.
The Trump administration says the new investigation is part of a broader effort to restore integrity to the nation’s immigration system, combat fraud, and ensure employment opportunities are prioritized for American workers.
