Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 8: The US Department of Labor (DOL) has launched at least 175 investigations into alleged misuse of the H-1B visa program under Project Firewall, uncovering major violations in wage payments and employment practices.

According to a Fox News report, the initiative—introduced in September alongside President Donald Trump’s $100,000 one-time fee on H-1B petitions—aims to ensure American citizens are prioritized for jobs and to curb visa-related fraud.

Preliminary findings revealed over $15 million in back wages owed to workers. Investigators found that several employers paid foreign professionals far less than promised, depressing wages for both US and H-1B workers. Some companies reportedly delayed notifying immigration authorities about terminated visa holders.

The DOL also discovered irregularities in Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), including fake work sites, mismatched job postings, and “benching” practices where H-1B workers were left unpaid between projects.

Officials said the probe highlights systemic exploitation within the visa program and underscores the need for stricter oversight to protect both American and foreign employees.