The US Department of Labor (DOL) has initiated 175 investigations into potential abuses of the H-1B visa program, which allows American companies to hire skilled foreign workers. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration rules and protect American jobs. The investigations focus on issues such as low wages, non-existent work sites, and the illegal practice of "benching" employees, where workers are not paid while waiting for assignments.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced that she is personally overseeing these investigations, stating, "We are using every tool available to stop H-1B visa abuse and protect American jobs." The DOL's initiative, known as Project Firewall, was launched in September to ensure that companies prioritize hiring qualified American workers over underpaid foreign employees, particularly in technology and engineering sectors.

The DOL has reported that the ongoing investigations could reveal over USD 15 million in unpaid wages owed to workers. Concerns raised include cases where foreign professionals with advanced degrees were paid significantly less than advertised salaries, and instances where employers failed to notify immigration authorities about terminations. Additionally, some job sites listed in visa applications were found to be non-existent.

In a recent proclamation, President Trump introduced a one-time fee of USD 100,000 for new H-1B applications, aimed at discouraging companies from relying heavily on foreign labor. This fee is intended to ensure that only highly skilled workers are brought into the US workforce. The administration's crackdown has faced criticism from various quarters, including five Democratic lawmakers who warned that it could strain relations between India and the US, as Indian professionals make up the largest group of H-1B visa holders.

Business groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce, have also challenged the new policies, arguing that they could exacerbate skilled labor shortages in the country. The DOL's actions reflect a significant shift in immigration enforcement, with a clear focus on holding companies accountable for any misuse of the H-1B visa program.