Project Firewall Targets H-1B Abuse

Key Point 

• The U.S. Department of Labor launches a sweeping enforcement initiative to crack down on H-1B visa misuse 

H-1B Fee Enforcement Begins

On September 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Project Firewall, a landmark enforcement campaign aimed at curbing abuse within the H-1B visa program. The initiative empowers the Secretary of Labor to personally certify investigations into employers suspected of violating H-1B rules, marking a historic shift in oversight authority. Enforcement will focus on companies with reasonable cause for noncompliance and penalties may include back wages, civil fines and debarment from future visa sponsorship.

Project Firewall will be led by the Office of Immigration Policy, the Employment and Training Administration, and the Wage and Hour Division, in coordination with the Department of Justice, EEOC and USCIS. The campaign underscores the administration’s commitment to protecting highly skilled American workers and restoring integrity to employment-based immigration. 

Employers and workers seeking guidance can contact the Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-4-US-WAGE (487-9243). 

Trump Signs Proclamation Restricting H-1B Entry

On September 19, 2025, President Trump also signed a proclamation restricting H-1B visa entry to tighten control over the program.

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