Washington, July 9:
The Donald Trump administration has initiated its first large-scale investigation into alleged fraud in H-1B and PERM work visa programmes, marking what officials describe as the most aggressive crackdown yet on foreign labour violations.
US Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito said that investigators have already issued dozens of summons as part of the ongoing probe. He noted that authorities are examining inputs from whistleblowers, some of which involve major corporations, including IT services firm Cognizant.
However, officials clarified that no formal charges have been filed against the company, and its mention was limited to information received during the course of the investigation.
The H-1B visa programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields such as technology, engineering and healthcare. Typically granted for three years and extendable up to six years, it remains a key route for skilled workers. The PERM programme, on the other hand, is a labour certification process required for employers sponsoring foreign nationals for permanent residency.
D’Esposito also linked visa fraud to broader criminal concerns, claiming that certain cases may be tied to organised crime networks, including cartels and transnational gangs. He said the administration views the crackdown as part of a wider effort to enhance public safety and protect American workers.
The announcement comes ahead of an event led by US Vice President JD Vance in Milwaukee, where the administration is expected to highlight its broader anti-fraud initiatives.
The technology sector continues to dominate H-1B usage, accounting for nearly 60 to 70 per cent of new applications in recent years. Indian nationals form the largest group of beneficiaries, making up about 71 per cent of approved H-1B visas in fiscal year 2024.
The development is likely to be closely watched in India, given the significant number of Indian professionals working in the US through the H-1B route, particularly in fields such as software development, artificial intelligence and cloud computing.