‘We Have Handcuffs Ready’: US Signals Total Shutdown Of H-1B Visa Program Over Foreign-Labour Fraud

Last Updated:September 27, 2026, 08:23 IST

The Department of Labour’s Office of Inspector General advances a nationwide probe into alleged fraud, worker exploitation, and human trafficking linked to H-1B visa program

The Department of Labour’s Office of Inspector General advances a nationwide investigation into alleged fraud, worker exploitation, and human trafficking linked to H-1B visa program

United States Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito warned that the H-1B visa program could look “very different” a year from now as the Trump administration steps up investigations into alleged foreign-labour fraud.

In an interview with American commentator and YouTuber Benny Joshson, D’Esposito signalled a total shutdown of the H-1B visa program and said the administration was preparing a case that could lead to tougher enforcement.

“We have handcuffs ready”, he said.

His remarks came as the Department of Labour’s Office of Inspector General advances a nationwide investigation into alleged fraud, worker exploitation, and human trafficking linked to H-1B visa program.

“We are building a case. I think that the efforts and the focus that you see from the White House and from this administration is telling a story. We are laying out the case very vividly to the American people”, D’Esposito warned.

“l think that the foreign labor visa program is going to look very different 365 days from now than it does today.”

The H-1B visa program allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, with the annual numerical cap limited to 65,000 new visas each fiscal year, alongside an additional 20,000 exemptions for individuals with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education.

In a previous statement, the Labour Department said investigators had issued dozens of subpoenas and executed search warrants as part of the investigation. The department also said visa applications involving tech giants Cognizant and Cloudera had been suspended pending the criminal investigation.

According to D’Esposito, the investigation would continue to target companies and practices that investigators believe have abused foreign-labor programs.

Project Firewall

In September 2025, the US Department of Labour announced the launch of Project Firewall, aimed at safeguarding the “rights, wages, and job opportunities of highly skilled American workers by ensuring employers prioritize qualified Americans when hiring workers and holding employers accountable if they abuse the H-1B visa process”, according to an official statement.

Recently, the Trump administration ordered the Departments of Labor, Homeland Security and State to consider whether an employer has carried out layoffs affecting similarly situated US workers when reviewing H-1B applications.

Simultaneously, the administration has extended its restriction on the entry of certain H-1B workers through September 21, 2027.

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What did US Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito warn about the H-1B visa program?

Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito warned that the H-1B visa program could look drastically different within a year as the administration investigates alleged foreign-labour fraud, noting that investigators have handcuffs ready for wrongdoers.

Which tech companies faced visa application suspensions amid the US criminal investigations?

Visa applications involving tech giants Cognizant and Cloudera have been suspended pending the ongoing criminal investigation into alleged foreign-labour fraud and misuse of immigration programs.

What is the purpose of Project Firewall launched by the US Department of Labour?

Launched in September 2025, Project Firewall aims to safeguard the rights, wages, and job opportunities of highly skilled American workers by ensuring employers prioritize qualified Americans and holding them accountable for abusing the H-1B process.

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Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More

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