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4h ago

U.S. Unveils 'Project Firewall' as Trump Orders $100,000 Payment for H‑1B Petitions

Labor officials say the effort protects U.S. workers by requiring employers to prioritize qualified Americans.

US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said the Trump administration is standing by the commitment to end practices which leave Americans in the dust.
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Project Firewall initiative by US Department of Labour to regulate H-1B visas and enforce $100,000 petition fee, affecting Indian IT professionals and US tech jobs.

Overview

  • The Department of Labor announced Project Firewall to intensify H‑1B compliance checks and hold employers accountable for abuses.
  • Under the program, the Secretary of Labor will personally certify investigations when reasonable cause exists, a first for the department.
  • Possible penalties for violations include repayment of back wages, civil money fines, and temporary debarment from the H‑1B program.
  • The initiative coordinates the DOL’s Office of Immigration Policy, Employment and Training Administration, and Wage and Hour Division with the DOJ Civil Rights Division, the EEOC, and USCIS.
  • The rollout coincided with a presidential order requiring a $100,000 payment with H‑1B petitions, with analysts noting uncertain impacts for employers and for Indian nationals who received about 71% of approvals last year.