US launches at least 175 investigations targeting 'potential abuses' within H-1B visa program

The Trump administration has launched at least 175 ongoing investigations targeting "potential abuses" within the H-1B visa program as part of its mission to protect American jobs and ensure only necessary foreign workers are employed in the US, as per a report by Fox News.

US' Department of Labor launched Project Firewall in September to ensure that employers prioritise qualified Americans for job positions and do not abuse the H-1B visa program, which allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations.

The aggressive federal crackdown on potential abuse of the program includes Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer personally certifying the initiation of investigations — which is a mechanism that the department has never used before, Fox report said.

"The Labor Department is using every resource currently at our disposal to put a stop to H-1B visa abuse, and for the first time, I am personally certifying investigations into suspected violations to better protect American jobs," Chavez-DeRemer told Fox News Digital in a statement.

What is Project Firewall?
The campaign coincides with the launch of Project Firewall, a new initiative introduced in September 2025 to audit companies’ compliance with H-1B visa rules. The project was introduced under the direction of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and forms part of the Trump administration’s broader focus on protecting American workers. According to the DOL, the initiative aims to “safeguard the rights, wages, and job opportunities of highly skilled American workers” by holding employers accountable for misuse of the H-1B system.

Under Project Firewall, the DOL can initiate proactive investigations, even without formal complaints, when there is “reasonable cause” to believe an employer is violating H-1B rules. These investigations are personally certifiable by the Labor Secretary and will involve closer scrutiny of wage levels, job descriptions, and recruitment practices to ensure US workers are not unfairly displaced. The department will also coordinate with other federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services to share information and strengthen enforcement.

The program also expands the DOL’s audit powers over Labor Condition Applications and Public Access Files — two critical compliance documents in H-1B hiring. Employers found in violation may face back-pay orders, monetary penalties, or temporary bans on hiring through the H-1B program. Legal experts note that Project Firewall represents a significant shift from the traditional complaint-driven model of H-1B enforcement to a more proactive compliance framework.

For companies, particularly those in technology and engineering sectors that employ large numbers of H-1B workers, Project Firewall signals heightened scrutiny. Even firms without prior complaints may be subject to audits, making internal compliance checks essential. For American workers, the project is presented as a measure to prevent job displacement, while for H-1B visa holders, it may mean stricter oversight of employers’ legal obligations.

Analysts point out that since a large portion of H-1B visas — nearly 72 percent — are issued to Indian nationals, Project Firewall could have notable implications for Indian IT and outsourcing firms operating in the US. These companies may face more frequent audits and must ensure full adherence to wage and reporting standards to avoid penalties.