Trump launches first sweeping probe into H-1B visa fraud, official names Cognizant

The Donald Trump administration has launched its first sweeping investigation into alleged fraud involving H-1B and PERM work visas, with a senior federal official naming IT services giant Cognizant while outlining the large-scale probe.

US Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito said investigators had already issued dozens of summons as part of what he called the administration's most aggressive effort yet to tackle foreign labour fraud.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work permit that allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations. It is typically granted for three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years. The PERM programme, meanwhile, is the labour certification process employers must complete before sponsoring many foreign workers for permanent residency.

The announcement came ahead



of Vice President JD Vance's fraud initiative event in Milwaukee, where the administration is expected to highlight its campaign against fraud and organised crime.

The inspector general also revealed that investigators had received information involving "some of the biggest companies," specifically mentioning Cognizant while discussing concerns surrounding permanent residency sponsorships and H-1B visas.

"We have whistleblowers talking about some of the biggest companies, like Cognizant... and we are going to work side by side with the president and vice president's fraud task force to exhaust every lead," he told FOX Business on Wednesday.

The official did not accuse Cognizant of wrongdoing or announce any formal charges. Instead, he cited the company while discussing information investigators had received from whistleblowers.