The U.S. Department of Labor has initiated at least 175 investigations into suspected misuse of the H-1B visa program. This initiative aims to safeguard American jobs by scrutinizing companies that employ highly skilled foreign workers in specialized sectors like technology and engineering. This intensified enforcement reflects a broader strategy to reform the visa system and prioritize domestic employment. The Department of Labor’s ‘Project Firewall’ was launched in September to ensure compliance with H-1B regulations and prevent the displacement of qualified American workers by underpaid foreign professionals. Notably, Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is personally certifying these investigations, a significant first for the department. She stated her commitment to using all available resources to stop H-1B visa abuse and protect American jobs. A new social media campaign by the department highlights concerns that some companies are exploiting the H-1B program to hire cheaper foreign talent over young American workers, with India being identified as the primary beneficiary. The campaign asserts that the H-1B visa’s rampant abuse has led to American jobs being replaced, impacting the ‘American Dream’ for citizens.
