### H-1B Visa Program Under Scrutiny: Trump Administration Launches 175 Investigations The Trump administration has intensified its scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, launching **175 investigations** into potential abuses. This initiative, known as **Project Firewall**, aims to address concerns regarding the exploitation of foreign workers and the impact on American jobs. The investigations have already revealed over **$15 million** in unpaid wages and various forms of abuse, including underpayment and fraudulent job postings. The Department of Labor (DOL) is committed to enforcing regulations to protect American workers and ensure fair practices within the visa program [https://www.newsweek.com/h-1b-visa-trump-admin-investigations-visa-abuse-11021029][https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/project-firewall-explained-why-the-us-is-investigating-h-1b-pay-and-job-claims/articleshow/125195929.cms]. ### Structure of the Investigative Efforts 1. **Background of Project Firewall** - Launched in September 2025, Project Firewall is a response to increasing concerns about the H-1B visa program's integrity. - The initiative aims to protect American jobs by ensuring that companies do not hire underpaid foreign workers over qualified U.S. citizens [https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-us-launches-175-investigations-into-potential-abuses-of-h-1b-visa-program-4036188]. 2. **Scope of Investigations** - The DOL is focusing on various allegations, including: - **Underpayment of wages**: Companies are accused of not paying H-1B workers their entitled wages. - **Fraudulent job postings**: Some employers are allegedly posting fake job openings to justify hiring foreign workers. - **Benching practices**: This illegal practice involves employers not paying workers when they are not assigned to a project [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3689715-trump-administrations-vigorous-crackdown-on-h-1b-visa-abuse]. 3. **Impact on Stakeholders** - The investigations are expected to have significant implications for both employers and foreign workers. - Companies found guilty of abuse may face penalties, while foreign workers could see changes in their employment conditions [https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-administration-launches-175-probes-into-h-1b-visa-abuse/article70255412.ece]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Financial Impact**: Investigations have uncovered over **$15 million** in unpaid wages linked to H-1B visa abuses [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/project-firewall-explained-why-the-us-is-investigating-h-1b-pay-and-job-claims/articleshow/125195929.cms]. - **Number of Investigations**: The DOL has initiated **175 investigations** as part of this crackdown, indicating a robust effort to enforce compliance [https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-us-launches-175-investigations-into-potential-abuses-of-h-1b-visa-program-4036188]. - **Focus Areas**: Key areas of concern include underpayment, fraudulent job postings, and benching practices, which are critical to understanding the scope of the investigations [https://www.indianexpress.com/article/world/united-states-govt-launch-probe-potential-abuses-h-1b-visa-program-10353129]. ### Conclusion: A Comprehensive Overview of H-1B Visa Investigations The Trump administration's **Project Firewall** represents a significant escalation in the oversight of the H-1B visa program, with **175 investigations** launched to combat abuse and protect American jobs. The findings thus far indicate serious issues, including **$15 million** in unpaid wages and various fraudulent practices. 1. **Initiative Launch**: Project Firewall was initiated to address concerns about the H-1B visa program. 2. **Investigative Focus**: The DOL is investigating underpayment, fraudulent job postings, and benching practices. 3. **Financial Findings**: Over **$15 million** in unpaid wages have been uncovered, highlighting the extent of the abuse. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the H-1B visa program operates fairly and in the best interest of American workers [https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-us-launches-175-investigations-into-potential-abuses-of-h-1b-visa-program-4036188][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3689715-trump-administrations-vigorous-crackdown-on-h-1b-visa-abuse].