Gallego Calls on Trump Administration to Crack Down on Corporate H-1B Abuse and Put American Workers First

WASHINGTON - Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) called on the Department of Labor, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Justice to boost oversight over large corporations' use of H-1B visas to ensure foreign workers are not replacing or undercutting American workers, especially given the high Gen Z unemployment rate.

"High-skilled immigration programs, when designed, implemented, and enforced appropriately, spur economic growth that creates good-paying jobs for American workers. At the same time, we must ensure such programs are not used to undercut or replace U.S. employees, especially as the American dream continues to grow further out of reach for young people," Senator Gallego wrote in a letter to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Over the last several years, large technology corporations have laid off hundreds of thousands American workers while simultaneously hiring foreign H-1B tech workers. This trend is concerning given the high unemployment rate for American tech workers - particularly recent graduates - the rising cost of living, and the fact that the American Dream is becoming further out of reach, especially for Gen Z individuals.

"The intent of the H-1B visa program is to grow the economy and supplement the U.S. workforce-not replace it. Given the number of unemployed American college graduates with relevant degrees and skills, the fact that corporations are laying off American workers while simultaneously hiring foreign H-1B workers raises important questions," Senator Gallego continued. "We must ensure that corporations using H-1B visas honor the intent of the program and do not displace American workers. In doing so, we can provide economic opportunity for young Americans to achieve the American dream."

In September, the Department of Labor launched Project Firewall as part of a multi-agency effort to strengthen H-1B enforcement. To ensure the administration follows through on its commitment to protect American workers, Senator Gallego requested answers to the following questions:

1. To what extent do you plan to increase the number of investigations into H-1B fraud and abuse?
2. How will you prioritize which companies to investigate?
3. Will you pay special attention to the companies that have laid off American workers while filing petitions for H-1B workers?
4. How will you ensure companies make good faith efforts to fulfill all H-1B requirements, including those requiring prioritization of U.S. workers over H-1B employees?
5. The press release announcing Project Firewall states the Secretary will personally certify the initiation of investigations. How will you ensure this personal certification requirement does not needlessly add red tape, enable corruption or pay-to-play, or hamper the visa program's overall objectives?
6. In executing this multi-agency oversight effort, how will you ensure your other important missions are not negatively impacted?

Read the full letter HERE.

12/5/25