Summary
The U.S. Department of Labor has started an initiative called Project Firewall to address misuse of the H-1B visa program. The program allows the Labor Department to independently investigate companies using these visas, without needing worker complaints to start these investigations. The goal is to ensure American jobs are protected and that H-1B visas are not misused.
Key Facts
- Project Firewall began on September 19 and focuses on preventing H-1B visa abuse.
- It allows the Labor Department to start its own investigations into visa use, based on tips from credible sources.
- The program requires coordination among the Department of Justice, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- An H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals temporarily for specialized jobs requiring high-level qualifications.
- U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the initiative aims to prevent employers from misusing visas at the expense of American workers.
- Violations can lead to fines up to $51,500 and bans on new visa petitions for severe breaches.
- The program may involve site visits, audits, and coordination with the Justice Department on discrimination claims.
- Companies in IT outsourcing and staffing are under increased scrutiny due to heavier reliance on H-1B visas.
