DOL Discusses H-1B Program Enforcement

Dear Amy:

In our meeting yesterday, Adam Green asked about our enforcement experience with the H-1B nonimmigrant program. This is to follow up with a brief summary of our experience to date.

Since the program's inception, Wage and Hour has initiated 38 H-1B investigations under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. One of these cases is currently being reviewed by the Secretary; three cases are in litigation; and, 24 are in various factfinding stages. Ten H-1B cases have become final agency actions resulting in payment of more than $485,000 in back wages to more than 130 H-1B nonimmigrants, $92,000 in assessed civil money penalties, and voluntary debarments for three businesses for periods up to six months.

Thank you for your continuing interest in our administration and enforcement of this and other employment-based immigration programs. If you need any additional information, please let me know. I look forward to our next meeting.

John R. Fraser

27MM4D26