By: Sreelatha Babu | July 9, 2026
On July 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL OIG) announced a nationwide enforcement initiative and investigation targeting H-1B visa fraud, PERM-related fraud, and human trafficking, signaling a significant increase in enforcement activity involving employment-based immigration programs.
While the announcement does not change employers’ legal obligations, it sends a clear message that the government intends to devote additional investigative resources to identifying fraud and abuse involving H-1B, PERM, H-2A, and H-2B programs. Employers should take this opportunity to review their immigration compliance practices and documentation.
What the DOL Announced
The DOL OIG announced that it is intensifying investigations into schemes involving:
- Fraudulent H-1B and PERM applications;
- Human trafficking and labor…
This involves defrauding the state or using government systems to steal from individuals.
- Tax Identity Theft: A criminal uses your ID and income details to file a tax return in your name and claim a refund before you do.
- Grant/Benefit Fraud: Falsely claiming unemployment, disability, or social grants that the perpetrator is not entitled to.