The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive investigation into H-1B visa practices through a program called “Project Firewall,” aimed at strengthening protections for American workers in the skilled labor market.
The Department of Labor is leading this multi-agency effort, working alongside the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to monitor employer compliance with visa regulations.
Enhanced Oversight of Hiring Practices
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the administration’s commitment to enforcement. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue working with our federal partners to put an end to bad practices and safeguard opportunities for American workers,” she stated.
The initiative focuses on preventing employers from bypassing qualified American candidates in favor of foreign workers holding H-1B visas. Federal agencies will share information and coordinate enforcement actions against companies found violating anti-discrimination and labor laws.
White House Clarifies President’s Position
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed growing concerns about the administration’s stance on skilled immigration. “The President does not support American workers being replaced,” she said Monday.
Leavitt provided context for Trump’s position, explaining his support for foreign companies bringing specialized workers to establish U.S. operations. “He wants to see if foreign companies are investing trillions of dollars in the United States of America, and they’re bringing foreign workers with them to create very niche things like batteries. He wants to see that at the beginning to get those manufacturing facilities and those factories up and running,” she explained.
Balancing Investment and American Employment
The administration maintains that while welcoming initial foreign expertise for establishing manufacturing facilities, long-term employment should prioritize American workers. Trump has reportedly told foreign investors they must hire American workers to conduct business in the United States.
This policy shift emerges as the administration navigates tensions within its political coalition regarding immigration policy and economic development, seeking to attract foreign investment while protecting domestic employment opportunities.
