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…
HOW TO SPOT A “RED FLAG” (THE BEHAVIORAL AUDIT)
Keep an eye out for these behavioral shifts in your staff:
Refusal to take leave: Afraid someone will find their “adjustments.”
Unexplained wealth: Buying luxury items that don’t match their known salary.
Working odd hours: Preferring to work alone late at night when no one is watching the system.
“Gatekeeper” behavior: Becoming overly defensive or angry when someone asks to see their records.