Trump administration intensifies scrutiny of H-1B visa hiring practices amid growing backlash

US Justice Department cracks down on H-1B hiring abuses

In a significant escalation of the H-1B visa controversy, the Trump administration is moving to crack down on companies accused of sidelining American workers.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has ramped up its oversight of hiring practices involving the H-1B program, urging both employees and employers to come forward with reports of situations where U.S. citizens are allegedly passed over in favor of foreign visa holders.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, confirmed to Patrick Reports that the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) Civil Rights Division is currently investigating complaints related to the H-1B program.

India-born Harmeet Dhillon, who is heading the initiative, was appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump shortly after his election victory in December last year.

“Through our Protecting US Workers Initiative, the Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights section has numerous open investigations into hiring practices that discriminate against American citizens, and the list continues to grow,” InfoWars quoted Dhillon.

She further added, “We encourage anyone aware of such practices to notify the Civil Rights Division so we can determine if an investigation and enforcement action is needed.”

She took to the social media platform X, calling out people to send leads against employers.“We have several open investigations and have taken action against some employers already! Send us your leads!”

Are you an American citizen who has been harmed by inappropriate preferences for foreign workers, eg H1-B or other? Follow the link. It’s also a place to report human trafficking of immigrant workers, and Title VII employment discrimination. https://t.co/n0Ux7O6HBh

— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@HarmeetKDhillon) August 29, 2025

The H-1B visa program, which issues up to 85,000 new visas annually (excluding renewals), enables U.S. companies to employ skilled foreign professionals in sectors such as technology and engineering.

However, critics like U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis argue that the program allows outsourcing firms to undercut wages and replace American workers.