Washington, Oct 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Trump administration on Thursday warned that corporate executives and institutions could face criminal prosecution, arrests and civil lawsuits over alleged visa fraud, signalling a tougher enforcement campaign against employers accused of favouring foreign workers over Americans.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department was actively investigating companies suspected of violating federal laws governing employment and immigration.
His warning came during a White House press conference led by Vice President JD Vance, where the administration announced restrictions on permanent labour certification applications involving eight major technology and outsourcing companies.
The companies include Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini.
Blanche said employers found to have discriminated against American workers could face federal investigations.
"If a company, even including Microsoft, Adobe, or any other, discriminates against an American worker in favour of someone on the other side of the world, that company has violated the trust of the federal government and the American people and will be investigated," he said.
Asked whether the crackdown could result in arrests, Blanche said the consequences would depend on the evidence in individual cases.
He said the Justice Department could pursue company executives and other individuals responsible for criminal conduct.
The administration could also initiate civil proceedings to recover money or stop unlawful practices.
Blanche declined to predict the outcome of any particular investigation.
He nevertheless made clear that enforcement would not be limited to administrative penalties.
Labour Inspector General Anthony DiEsposito announced the formation of a specialised visa fraud strike team to coordinate investigations across federal agencies.
"We will follow the money, uncover the schemes, and work with Attorney General Todd Blanche to prosecute criminals," DiEsposito said.
He also announced a most-wanted list featuring 16 alleged fraudsters whom he said had stolen nearly half a billion dollars from Americans.
DiEsposito said the broader anti-fraud task force had contributed to 171 indictments, 203 convictions, 80 arrests and more than 70 search warrants.
Investigators had also identified more than $1 billion for taxpayers, he said.
The Inspector General indicated that investigations would examine potential links between visa abuse, organised crime, forced labour, human trafficking and national security threats.
Vance defended the enforcement campaign, accusing some employers of misrepresenting the qualifications and specialised skills of foreign workers in visa applications.
He said the administration was targeting companies that allegedly used immigration programmes to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign employees.
The H-1B visa programme allows American employers to hire qualifying foreign professionals in specialised occupations. Employers must comply with applicable wage, filing and employment requirements.
Permanent labour certification is part of a separate employment-based immigration process. The administration's new restrictions affect that process for the eight named companies, while criminal investigations remain subject to applicable legal procedures and evidentiary standards.
Source: IANS
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