US labor inspector general announces J-1 visa fraud probe

US Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito announced an investigation into potential fraud in J-1 visa programs at nine US universities including Harvard, Yale, and MIT.

Subpoenas served to nine universities

Subpoenas have been served to each of the nine universities: Pitt, Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Brown, UC Davis, Caltech, Arizona State University, and MIT.

Investigation focuses on misuse of J-1 programs

The investigation will examine alleged misuse and misclassification within J-1 visa programs at institutions that collectively receive billions of dollars in federally supported research funding.

61% of postdocs at these universities are foreign nationals

Approximately 61% of postdoctoral workers and researchers supported by federal grants at the nine universities are foreign nationals, compared to 38% at other universities.

Inspector General D’Esposito's warning

Improperly used J-1 visa classifications to avoid employment obligations, exploit taxpayer-funded programs, and undermine American workers will not be tolerated.

“Improperly used J-1 visa classifications to avoid employment obligations, exploit taxpayer-funded programs, and undermine American workers will not be tolerated”

Two enforcement initiatives launched

The Visa Fraud Strike Team and the Labor Inspector General Most Wanted List were unveiled as part of the investigation.

Most Wanted List features 16 fugitives

The Most Wanted List features 16 fugitives accused of stealing more than $250 million from American workers and taxpayers.

“The Most Wanted List features 16 fugitives accused of stealing more than $250 million from American workers and taxpayers”