Trump Launches H-1B Fraud Probe Into PERM Abuse And Labor Trafficking

The Trump administration has opened a broad investigation into H-1B visa fraud, focusing on employers who abuse the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system to bypass labor market tests and displace American workers. The probe also targets labor trafficking schemes that exploit foreign workers.

According to the announcement, investigators will scrutinize companies that file fraudulent PERM applications, which are meant to certify that no qualified U.S. workers are available for a position. The crackdown aims to uncover systematic abuse where employers submit false attestations to secure visas for foreign nationals at the expense of domestic hires.

Labor trafficking allegations will be a separate but related focus. Authorities will look into cases where H-1B workers are brought to the U.S. under false pretenses, subjected to exploitative working conditions, or forced to remain in jobs against their will. The probe is expected to involve multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security.

The administration has not yet specified which companies or industries will be targeted, but officials signaled that the investigation would be 'major' in scope. Employers found in violation could face civil penalties, criminal charges, and debarment from future visa programs.

This action is part of a broader push to tighten enforcement of immigration rules and protect American jobs, a key theme of the administration's policy agenda. Industry groups have expressed concern that the probe could disrupt legal hiring practices, while advocates for stricter immigration controls have welcomed the move.