The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has initiated approximately 200 investigations into alleged abuses of the H-1B visa program, which permits U.S. companies to employ skilled foreign workers. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is overseeing these investigations, marking a significant step in the DOL's efforts to address concerns about the displacement of American workers. This initiative, termed "Project Firewall," was announced in September and seeks to hold companies accountable for their use of the H-1B program, which has faced criticism for facilitating the replacement of American employees with foreign labor, particularly from India and China.

In 2024, over 70% of approved H-1B visas were issued to Indian nationals, predominantly male. The American workers affected by these foreign hires are often older and include many women, who typically possess seniority and better benefits. The DOL's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has reported troubling practices, such as hiring foreign H-1B workers at significantly lower wages than their American counterparts and instances of fabricated job locations. Some foreign workers reportedly lacked awareness of the job descriptions they had agreed to, raising concerns about the integrity of the application process.

The investigations have already identified over $15 million in owed back wages, a figure expected to increase as more cases are reviewed. Companies found in violation of H-1B regulations will be required to pay these back wages as part of their settlements with the DOL. Research indicates that U.S. companies often exploit the H-1B visa program to outsource jobs, initially laying off American employees before replacing them with foreign workers and ultimately offshoring the positions. A study by Ron Hira for the Economic Policy Institute highlighted that HCL Technologies, a major Indian outsourcing firm, pays H-1B workers significantly less than their American counterparts, in some cases by as much as 47%, raising concerns about wage suppression and its broader implications for the U.S. labor market.

In parallel, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at abolishing the H-1B visa program. Greene argues that the program has been misused by various sectors, including technology and healthcare, to displace American workers. She emphasizes the need to prioritize domestic talent and invest in the American workforce rather than relying on foreign labor.

Conversely, former President Donald Trump has defended the H-1B program, asserting that there is a lack of sufficient domestic talent to meet the needs of advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries. Trump contends that certain skills are absent among the domestic workforce, necessitating the hiring of foreign workers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has echoed this sentiment, stating that the administration aims to facilitate knowledge transfer from overseas workers to U.S. workers rather than replacing them.

Greene's proposal highlights a growing divide within the Republican Party regarding domestic policy priorities, particularly as she has publicly challenged Trump on this issue. Following Trump's comments, Greene reaffirmed her commitment to her constituents in Georgia's 14th district, emphasizing her focus on American interests.