Visa Under Fire: US Launches 175 Probes Into H-1B Abuse Under Project Firewall

Updated: November 08, 2025 19:00

Image Source: The Economic Times

The US Department of Labor has initiated 175 investigations into alleged H-1B visa misuse under Project Firewall. The probes aim to protect American jobs, uncover wage violations, and ensure foreign hires meet genuine needs. Over $15 million in unpaid wages and multiple employer violations have already been identified.

In a sweeping crackdown on visa fraud, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) has launched 175 investigations into suspected abuses of the H-1B visa program under a federal initiative called Project Firewall. Introduced in September 2025, the project seeks to ensure that American workers are prioritized and that foreign professionals are hired only when truly necessary.

The investigations have revealed troubling patterns, including over $15 million in unpaid wages to foreign workers, violations of Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), and improper employment practices. The initiative reflects a renewed push by the Trump administration to tighten oversight of employment-based visa programs.

Key Highlights:
Scope Of Investigations: The 175 probes span multiple industries and employers, focusing on companies suspected of bypassing legal hiring protocols or underpaying foreign workers with advanced degrees.

Project Firewall Objectives: Launched to safeguard domestic employment, the initiative enforces stricter compliance with H-1B regulations and deters companies from exploiting visa loopholes. It coincides with a one-time $100,000 fee imposed on new H-1B petitions to discourage misuse.

Wage Violations: Investigators uncovered more than $15 million in unpaid wages owed to H-1B workers, highlighting systemic underpayment and exploitation in certain sectors.

Legal Framework: The DOL is leveraging its enforcement authority to audit LCAs, verify job roles, and ensure that foreign hires are not displacing qualified American candidates.

Political Context: Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has personally certified the investigations, signaling high-level commitment to reform. The move aligns with broader immigration and labor policy shifts under the current administration.

Industry Response: While some tech firms have expressed concern over increased scrutiny, labor advocates have welcomed the initiative as a necessary step toward fair employment practices.

The H-1B visa program, designed to fill specialized roles in science, technology, and engineering, remains vital to US innovation. However, Project Firewall underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability in its implementation.

Sources: Moneycontrol, OneIndia, Economic Times, Indian Express.