Trump Administration Launches Sweeping Probe into Alleged H-1B and PERM Visa Fraud

Washington, July 2026 : The Trump administration has launched a major investigation into alleged fraud involving H-1B and PERM employment visa programmes, marking what officials describe as the most aggressive crackdown yet on suspected abuse of foreign labour systems. The probe, led by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, will examine allegations of labour trafficking, visa fraud and misuse of employment-based immigration programmes across multiple industries.

Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito announced that investigators have already issued dozens of subpoenas as part of the expanding inquiry and indicated that more legal action is expected in the coming weeks.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, D’Esposito said the investigation reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting American workers and ensuring that employment visa programmes are not exploited.

“Without a doubt, we are going to take what we believe is the most aggressive action against foreign labour fraud ever undertaken by an Inspector General under this administration,” he said. “We have already begun issuing dozens of subpoenas and will continue pursuing every credible lead.”

According to D’Esposito, the investigation is being carried out in close coordination with President Donald Trump’s administration, Vice President J.D. Vance’s fraud task force, the Department of Justice and federal prosecutors. He stressed that authorities intend to identify and prosecute individuals and organisations found to have manipulated visa programmes for financial gain.

The Inspector General said whistleblowers have provided information involving several major companies, including technology giant Cognizant, although he did not disclose specific allegations or indicate whether any formal charges have been filed. He added that investigators would thoroughly examine every complaint received.

D’Esposito also alleged that abuse of foreign labour programmes is often linked to broader criminal activities, including labour trafficking, organised crime and transnational gangs.

“This is another example of fraud fuelling violent crime,” he said. “Much of the visa and human trafficking we see involving foreign labour is connected to cartels and international criminal organisations. Our objective is not only to make America safer but also to protect legitimate workers and employers.”

He noted that the investigation extends well beyond manufacturing and construction sectors. Authorities will examine alleged fraud involving hospitals, medical facilities, nursing homes, ports, logistics companies and other industries where foreign workers are employed.

According to D’Esposito, improper hiring practices in sensitive sectors such as healthcare could potentially compromise public safety if unqualified individuals secure jobs through fraudulent means.

The Inspector General warned that individuals found guilty of visa fraud or labour trafficking would face serious legal consequences.

“Fraudsters will be hunted down, investigated, arrested and prosecuted,” he said, adding that federal agencies are determined to dismantle networks that profit from exploiting foreign workers and circumventing immigration laws.

A key focus of the investigation, he said, is ensuring that American workers are not unfairly displaced through abuse of employment-based visa programmes. D’Esposito identified California, New York and Illinois as among the states with the highest concentration of visa applicants and employment-based sponsorships, making them priority areas for investigators.

“Our goal is to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within these programmes so that qualified American workers are not denied opportunities because of people gaming the system or employers benefiting financially from bringing in workers who may not be properly qualified,” he said.

The H-1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations requiring advanced knowledge and technical expertise. It is widely used by technology firms, consulting companies, engineering businesses, universities and healthcare providers. The PERM programme, meanwhile, enables employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency after demonstrating that qualified American workers are unavailable for specific positions.

The investigation carries particular significance for India, as Indian nationals consistently account for the overwhelming majority of H-1B visa recipients. The programme has long served as a key pathway for skilled Indian professionals, especially those employed in the information technology sector, to work and build careers in the United States. Any tightening of enforcement or regulatory scrutiny could have significant implications for technology companies, multinational employers and thousands of skilled professionals relying on these visa programmes.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)