Cognizant Mentioned in Trump’s Major H-1B Fraud Probe

The Donald Trump administration has launched its first major investigation into alleged fraud involving H-1B and PERM employment visa programmes, signalling a tougher enforcement approach against suspected misuse of foreign worker hiring.

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The investigation was announced by Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, who said federal authorities have already issued multiple subpoenas as part of a large-scale probe into alleged labour trafficking, fraudulent visa applications, and abuse of employment-based immigration programmes.

Cognizant Mentioned During Investigation

While discussing the ongoing probe, D’Esposito said whistleblower complaints had raised concerns involving “some of the biggest companies, like Cognizant.” However, he did not accuse the company of wrongdoing or provide details regarding specific allegations.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities intend to pursue every credible lead.

Focus on H-1B and PERM Visa Programmes

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations, while the PERM programme enables companies to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency after demonstrating the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers.

Every year, thousands of Indian technology professionals receive H-1B visas to work in the United States, making the programme particularly significant for the IT services industry.

Labour Department Alleges Widespread Abuse

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According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), investigators have uncovered schemes in which employers and labour brokers allegedly submitted fraudulent applications and exploited foreign workers through coercive wage kickback arrangements.

The department said such practices undermine programmes intended to address genuine labour shortages while disadvantaging American workers.

Authorities Promise Aggressive Enforcement

Speaking to Fox News, D’Esposito described the initiative as one of the administration’s most aggressive actions against foreign labour fraud.

He said investigators would work closely with the President’s and Vice President’s fraud task force and confirmed that dozens of subpoenas have already been issued.

He also claimed that some visa-related fraud cases have links to organised criminal networks, including transnational gangs involved in labour trafficking, though no evidence related to the current investigation was publicly disclosed.

Key Highlights

• The Trump administration has launched a major investigation into alleged H-1B and PERM visa fraud.
• The Labour Department has issued dozens of subpoenas as part of the probe.
• Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito mentioned Cognizant while referring to whistleblower complaints but did not accuse the company of wrongdoing.
• Investigators are examining alleged labour trafficking, fraudulent applications, and wage kickback schemes.
• The probe aims to protect the integrity of U.S. employment visa programmes and prevent abuse affecting American workers.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional enforcement actions may follow as more evidence is reviewed.

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