The US Department of Labor has launched an expansive investigation into widespread fraud involving H-1B and PERM visas. Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito announced that the probe is specifically targeting allegations of human trafficking and the systematic displacement of American workers within the technology and healthcare sectors.
The department has issued dozens of subpoenas as part of this crackdown, which represents a significant intensification of the Trump administration’s anti-fraud campaign. Federal authorities are examining instances where foreign nationals may be improperly employed, potentially violating labor standards and circumventing visa requirements.
This enforcement action coincides with ongoing legal volatility surrounding visa regulations. A federal district court in Massachusetts recently vacated a controversial $100,000 application fee for new H-1B petitions. While the ruling had a nationwide impact, the fee has been temporarily reinstated pending an appeal before the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Organizations such as America’s Essential Hospitals are currently monitoring these shifts, as the legal status of both application costs and employment practices remains in flux.