The Trump administration is intensifying scrutiny of suspected fraud involving H-1B and J-1 visas, with the US Department of Labor reiterating its commitment to investigating alleged misuse of the programmes.
Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General at the Department of Labor, said on October 23 that he and Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling were working with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and the White House Fraud Task Force to identify suspected violations and hold those responsible accountable.
In a post on X, D’Esposito highlighted concerns that visa fraud could affect American employment and national security. However, his statement did not announce any new investigation, enforcement action or additional visa restrictions.
H-1B and J-1 visa fraud threatens American jobs and our national security.
@Sonderling47 and I are working alongside @POTUS and @VP’s @WHFraudTF to expose the fraud, hold those responsible accountable, and keep our nation safe. 🇺🇸
— Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito (@USLaborIG) October 22, 2026
The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General has been examining potential fraud involving J-1 visa programmes at nine American universities. The institutions include Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, Brown University, the University of Pittsburgh and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The probe is examining whether the exchange visitor programme has been misused to bypass employment requirements, exploit taxpayer-funded initiatives or disadvantage American workers. The presence of foreign researchers at these institutions, however, does not itself establish any violation.
The J-1 visa allows eligible foreign nationals to participate in authorised exchange programmes covering academic research, education and other approved activities. The H-1B visa, meanwhile, enables US employers to recruit foreign professionals for specialised occupations requiring relevant qualifications.
The administration’s wider efforts focus on identifying suspected violations of immigration and labour laws and pursuing action where warranted. Increased scrutiny could result in further investigations if authorities establish evidence of wrongdoing.
For now, officials have announced no new restrictions on either visa category in connection with D’Esposito’s latest statement. Both programmes continue to serve distinct purposes under US immigration rules.
