President Trump Issues Executive Order to Increase Scrutiny of H-1B Visa Program
On September 18, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order and issued a proclamation directing federal agencies to intensify their scrutiny of H-1B petitions. The order specifically targets cases where there is a heightened risk of American workers being displaced. It mandates that the Secretaries of State, Labor, and Homeland Security consider an employer's recent or planned layoffs of similarly situated U.S. workers when adjudicating H-1B labor condition applications, petitions, and visas. The executive order also calls for enhanced coordination among the Departments of State, Labor, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Education. Within 30 days, the Department of Labor is tasked with reviewing data from previously filed labor condition applications to identify sponsoring employers who may warrant further action under existing law. This action is part of a broader administration effort to combat alleged discrimination against U.S. workers.
