‘Any company abusing H-1B…’: US labor secretary says ‘American jobs must go to Americans first’

US Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer doubled down on a major crackdown on H-1B visa abuses, warning that “American jobs must go to Americans first.”In a post and accompanying video on X, Chavez-DeRemer discussed the Project Firewall, a Department of Labor initiative launched in September 2025, aimed at preventing wage suppression and prioritizing domestic workers or Amercican workforce. The programme currently has nearly 200 ongoing investigations into suspected H-1B violations.“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve launched Project Firewall to ensure that the H-1B program is used as intended—for genuine skill shortages, not to undercut American wages or displace US workers,” she said. She said that foreign workers get paid below market wages and surpass Americans: “Too often, we’ve seen companies exploit this program by paying foreign workers below-market wages, bypassing qualified Americans, or even forcing U.S. employees to train their own replacements. That’s unacceptable, and it stops now.” Chavez-DeRemer said she personally certifies each investigation under Project Firewall and that the Department of Labor is collaborating with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enhance enforcement. She warned that companies found violating the rules could face fines, visa bans, and other penalties.“To employers doing it right: we appreciate you. Keep recruiting fairly, pay prevailing wages, and invest in our domestic workforce,” she said. “To American workers: your voice matters. If you’ve experienced displacement or unfair treatment because of H-1B misuse, report it to us. Together, we’re building an economy where opportunity starts at home.”However, some question the initiative’s effectiveness given that 99.3% of Labor Condition Applications were approved in FY2025 Q3. Critics are calling for the names of penalised companies to be made public.