U.S. Department of Labor investigates H-1B visa fraud in Texas

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has launched a field investigation in Dallas, Texas, targeting suspected nationwide fraud within the H-1B visa program. OIG Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito conducted site visits at an office building housing numerous companies with over 500 approved H-1B applications. During the investigation, many offices appeared inactive, with locked doors and dim lighting, showing little sign of business operations.

D’Esposito stated that the investigation aims to protect the integrity of the system and ensure the interests of American workers are prioritized. This crackdown is part of a broader effort, including ‘Project Firewall’ launched in September 2025, to identify employers who misuse the program to replace American workers or misreport job conditions. The OIG has also signaled a desire for increased congressional authority to verify employer claims independently rather than relying primarily on complaints.