The Trump administration’s Department of Labour has launched a new social media campaign accusing companies of misusing the H-1B visa programme to replace young American workers with foreign professionals, identifying India as the primary beneficiary.
In a post on X, the department stated, “Young Americans have had the American Dream stolen from them, as jobs have been replaced by foreign workers due to rampant abuse of the H-1B visa.” It further said, “Under the President of the United States and Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer leadership, we’re holding companies accountable for their abuse and recapturing the American Dream for the AMERICAN PEOPLE.”
Project Firewall
The campaign coincides with the launch of Project Firewall, a new initiative introduced in September 2025 to audit companies’ compliance with H-1B visa rules. The project was introduced under the direction of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and forms part of the Trump administration’s broader focus on protecting American workers. According to the DOL, the initiative aims to “safeguard the rights, wages, and job opportunities of highly skilled American workers” by holding employers accountable for misuse of the H-1B system.
Under Project Firewall, the DOL can initiate proactive investigations, even without formal complaints, when there is “reasonable cause” to believe an employer is violating H-1B rules. These investigations are personally certifiable by the Labor Secretary and will involve closer scrutiny of wage levels, job descriptions, and recruitment practices to ensure US workers are not unfairly displaced. The department will also coordinate with other federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services to share information and strengthen enforcement.
The program also expands the DOL’s audit powers over Labor Condition Applications and Public Access Files — two critical compliance documents in H-1B hiring. Employers found in violation may face back-pay orders, monetary penalties, or temporary bans on hiring through the H-1B program. Legal experts note that Project Firewall represents a significant shift from the traditional complaint-driven model of H-1B enforcement to a more proactive compliance framework.
For companies, particularly those in technology and engineering sectors that employ large numbers of H-1B workers, Project Firewall signals heightened scrutiny. Even firms without prior complaints may be subject to audits, making internal compliance checks essential. For American workers, the project is presented as a measure to prevent job displacement, while for H-1B visa holders, it may mean stricter oversight of employers’ legal obligations.
Analysts point out that since a large portion of H-1B visas — nearly 72 percent — are issued to Indian nationals, Project Firewall could have notable implications for Indian IT and outsourcing firms operating in the US. These companies may face more frequent audits and must ensure full adherence to wage and reporting standards to avoid penalties.
Campaign Video Message
A 51-second video accompanying the post contrasts images of the 1950s “American Dream” — families, factories, and suburban homes — with current data showing that 72 percent of H-1B approvals go to Indian nationals. The video attributes this focus on domestic employment to President Donald Trump and Labour Secretary Chavez-DeRemer.
The narration in the video states, “For generations, we’ve told Americans that if they work hard enough, they can achieve the American Dream. But many young Americans have had this dream stolen from them.” It continues, “Their jobs were replaced by foreign workers as politicians and bureaucrats allowed companies to abuse the H-1B visa. But now, President Trump is delivering a new opportunity for young Americans.”
The video concludes with the line, “Through Project Firewall, we’re taking action to hold companies accountable for H-1B abuse and ensure they prioritise Americans in the hiring process, recapturing the American Dream for the American people.”
The campaign marks a renewed push for the “America First” employment agenda in President Trump’s second term, with emphasis on US hiring, visa audits, and labour protection. Officials said Project Firewall will involve detailed audits of companies suspected of misusing the visa system to lower wages or displace local workers.
In a post on X, the department stated, “Young Americans have had the American Dream stolen from them, as jobs have been replaced by foreign workers due to rampant abuse of the H-1B visa.” It further said, “Under the President of the United States and Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer leadership, we’re holding companies accountable for their abuse and recapturing the American Dream for the AMERICAN PEOPLE.”
Young Americans have had the American Dream stolen from them, as jobs have been replaced by foreign workers due to rampant abuse of the H-1B visa.
— U.S. Department of Labor (@USDOL) October 30, 2025
Under @POTUS and @SecretaryLCD’s leadership, we’re holding companies accountable for their abuse—and recapturing the American Dream… pic.twitter.com/x3lqJS9CyG
Project Firewall
The campaign coincides with the launch of Project Firewall, a new initiative introduced in September 2025 to audit companies’ compliance with H-1B visa rules. The project was introduced under the direction of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and forms part of the Trump administration’s broader focus on protecting American workers. According to the DOL, the initiative aims to “safeguard the rights, wages, and job opportunities of highly skilled American workers” by holding employers accountable for misuse of the H-1B system.
Under Project Firewall, the DOL can initiate proactive investigations, even without formal complaints, when there is “reasonable cause” to believe an employer is violating H-1B rules. These investigations are personally certifiable by the Labor Secretary and will involve closer scrutiny of wage levels, job descriptions, and recruitment practices to ensure US workers are not unfairly displaced. The department will also coordinate with other federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services to share information and strengthen enforcement.
The program also expands the DOL’s audit powers over Labor Condition Applications and Public Access Files — two critical compliance documents in H-1B hiring. Employers found in violation may face back-pay orders, monetary penalties, or temporary bans on hiring through the H-1B program. Legal experts note that Project Firewall represents a significant shift from the traditional complaint-driven model of H-1B enforcement to a more proactive compliance framework.
For companies, particularly those in technology and engineering sectors that employ large numbers of H-1B workers, Project Firewall signals heightened scrutiny. Even firms without prior complaints may be subject to audits, making internal compliance checks essential. For American workers, the project is presented as a measure to prevent job displacement, while for H-1B visa holders, it may mean stricter oversight of employers’ legal obligations.
Analysts point out that since a large portion of H-1B visas — nearly 72 percent — are issued to Indian nationals, Project Firewall could have notable implications for Indian IT and outsourcing firms operating in the US. These companies may face more frequent audits and must ensure full adherence to wage and reporting standards to avoid penalties.
Campaign Video Message
A 51-second video accompanying the post contrasts images of the 1950s “American Dream” — families, factories, and suburban homes — with current data showing that 72 percent of H-1B approvals go to Indian nationals. The video attributes this focus on domestic employment to President Donald Trump and Labour Secretary Chavez-DeRemer.
The narration in the video states, “For generations, we’ve told Americans that if they work hard enough, they can achieve the American Dream. But many young Americans have had this dream stolen from them.” It continues, “Their jobs were replaced by foreign workers as politicians and bureaucrats allowed companies to abuse the H-1B visa. But now, President Trump is delivering a new opportunity for young Americans.”
The video concludes with the line, “Through Project Firewall, we’re taking action to hold companies accountable for H-1B abuse and ensure they prioritise Americans in the hiring process, recapturing the American Dream for the American people.”
The campaign marks a renewed push for the “America First” employment agenda in President Trump’s second term, with emphasis on US hiring, visa audits, and labour protection. Officials said Project Firewall will involve detailed audits of companies suspected of misusing the visa system to lower wages or displace local workers.
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