The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General is intensifying its investigation into alleged H-1B visa fraud, with Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito saying investigators are pursuing leads involving companies and labor brokers suspected of abusing the foreign-worker visa system.
The investigation has drawn attention on social media, where conservative commentator Jack Posobiec described the effort as the exposure of an “H-1B fraud machine” and shared remarks attributed to D’Esposito about investigators uncovering alleged visa mills.
The DOL OIG launched a broader investigation in July into H-1B and PERM-related fraud and human trafficking. The agency said it had uncovered schemes involving allegedly fraudulent applications, wage kickbacks, worker exploitation and the use of below-market labor. D’Esposito said the investigation is focused on identifying fraudulent activity and protecting workers. The OIG has said its investigators are examining allegations including falsified visa applications, wage kickbacks, benching and fraudulent recruitment practices.
The investigation expanded into field operations in August, when D’Esposito traveled to Dallas to meet with regional investigators and conduct checks at locations connected to companies that had received hundreds of approved H-1B petitions.
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According to the OIG, investigators visited a multistory building that housed numerous businesses linked to more than 500 approved H-1B applications. The agency said several offices appeared inactive, with locked doors, lights off and little evidence of ongoing business operations.
The OIG has described the activity as part of a nationwide initiative targeting fraud in the Department of Labor’s foreign labor certification programs. Its investigative office handles cases involving H-1B, H-2A, H-2B and PERM programs, including allegations that employers, immigration attorneys or labor brokers submitted fraudulent applications.
The agency has encouraged both U.S. and foreign workers to report suspected abuse. It specifically cited concerns involving worker displacement, coercion, benching, fraudulent recruitment and other forms of exploitation.
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The investigation does not mean that H-1B employers or workers generally are involved in fraud. The OIG’s statements concern specific alleged schemes and investigations, and allegations remain subject to the legal process.
The latest enforcement push comes as federal agencies increase scrutiny of employment-based visa programs, with the DOL OIG saying it intends to pursue individual leads and investigate companies suspected of violating labor and immigration-related requirements