U.S. Tightens H-1B Visa Rules, Reduces Fraud and Application Overload

Federal authorities have successfully implemented new measures to curb fraud in the H-1B visa application process, leading to a significant drop in registrations.

• Federal authorities addressed a loophole in the H-1B visa application process that allowed massive fraud, leading to a new rule requiring passport numbers for identification.
• The change resulted in a nearly 40% reduction in lottery bids for the visa, with registrations dropping from 800,000 to 480,000.
• Investigations and public messaging about the crackdown discouraged fraudulent practices, with many withdrawing even after winning the lottery.
• Critics argue the visa system still favors outsourcing companies and suggest awarding visas based on the highest salary offers.
• Despite the reduction in fraud, concerns remain about the visa's use to hire cheaper foreign labor and replace U.S. workers.

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