Trump admin launches its first major H-1B visa fraud investigation

The Trump administration is escalating its crackdown on immigration-related fraud, launching its first major investigation into alleged H-1B and PERM visa abuse, labor trafficking, and the displacement of American workers, Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito told FOX Business on Wednesday. D'Esposito announced the probe exclusively on "Mornings with Maria," calling it the latest step in the administration's expanding anti-fraud campaign ahead of Vice President JD Vance's nationwide fraud initiative event in Milwaukee set for later in the day. "This is another example where fraud is fueling violent crime," he said.

" D'Esposito said investigators have already begun to issue dozens of subpoenas in relation to the fraud investigation. S. to hire highly-skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations for an initial period of three years, which can be extended to six years.

"This is not just people working in factories or actual labor," D'Esposito said of the fraudsters. " ARE AMERICAN WORKERS BEING REPLACED? INSIDE THE H-1B VISA CONTROVERSY By far the industry most heavily utilizing H-1B visas is the tech industry, which accounts for roughly 60% to 70% of all the new applications in recent years.

Other top industries include consulting and professional services, engineering and manufacturing, healthcare and medical research and higher education. California, New York and Illinois are among the top five states for applicants for these visas, according to D'Esposito. " GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Last month, a federal judge struck down President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee requirement for employers seeking H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, ruling that the administration exceeded its authority by imposing what amounted to a tax that only Congress can authorize or delegate.

Fox News Digital's Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.