U.S. Senator Tom Cotton has announced plans to introduce two bills aimed at overhauling the H-1B visa program, emphasizing the need to prioritize American workers in the hiring process. His announcement coincides with the U.S. Department of Labor’s launch of “Project Firewall,” a new initiative designed to enhance oversight and prevent misuse of the H-1B visa system.
Senator Cotton expressed strong support for the proposed reforms, stating, “President Trump and Secretary Chavez-DeRemer are absolutely right that the H-1B program needs reforms. Next week, I’m introducing two bills that will bring badly needed changes to this program and put American workers first.”
Project Firewall is described as one of the most aggressive enforcement efforts in the history of the H-1B visa program. The initiative aims to protect highly skilled American workers from potential abuse by ensuring that employers adhere to fair wage standards and recruitment practices.
Key reforms under Project Firewall include:
- Proactive investigations: The Secretary of Labor will personally certify investigations of employers suspected of H-1B violations, rather than relying solely on complaints.
- Fair wages: Employers must pay H-1B workers at least the prevailing local wage or match pay for similarly qualified U.S. employees.
- Equal treatment: H-1B workers should receive the same benefits as their American counterparts.
- Recruitment requirements: Companies may need to demonstrate they made “good faith” efforts to hire American workers before turning to the H-1B visa.
- Penalties for violations: Employers found violating rules could face back wages, civil fines, or temporary bans from utilizing the visa.
- Inter-agency cooperation: The Labor Department will collaborate with the Justice Department, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prevent fraud and discrimination.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has acknowledged the developments and continues to engage with the U.S. administration and industry stakeholders regarding H-1B visas. The MEA emphasized that skilled talent exchanges have benefited both countries and expressed hope that recent restrictions may be eased.
The proposed reforms and the launch of Project Firewall signify a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, with a focus on ensuring that American workers are given priority in the job market.
