The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has launched a major investigation into fraud and human trafficking tied to the H-1B visa and Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) systems.
According to the OIG, the investigation will focus on exposing fraud, forced labor, human trafficking, fraudulent recruitment practices, wage kickbacks, and other abuses that have undermined programs intended to address legitimate labor shortages rather than benefit bad actors.
Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito said the investigation targets more than paperwork violations, describing the conduct as involving worker exploitation, forced labor, human trafficking, and the displacement of American workers. He said the department’s priorities are exposing fraud, protecting American workers, and holding those responsible accountable.
The OIG is launching a nationwide reporting campaign urging U.S. and foreign workers to report suspected program abuses. Officials said rewards may be available for information that leads to successful prosecutions.
