U.S. Department of Labor Investigates Fraud in H-1B and PERM Visa Programs
美國勞工部調查 H-1B 與 PERM 簽證計劃之欺詐行為
Introduction
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General (OIG) has started a detailed investigation into claims of fraud and human trafficking related to the H-1B and PERM work visa programs.
美國勞工部總稽查長辦公室 (OIG) 已開始對 H-1B 與 PERM 工作簽證計劃相關的欺詐與人口販運指控展開詳細調查。
Main Body
This enforcement effort is led by a task force under Vice President JD Vance and aims to stop the exploitation of guest worker programs. The OIG has found a pattern of organized fraud, where companies submit dishonest visa applications and force workers to give back part of their wages. Officials emphasize that these practices have lowered market salaries and taken jobs away from American workers. Furthermore, Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito asserted that there is a link between visa fraud and international criminal organizations, suggesting that these illegal labor routes may help gangs enter the United States.
此次執法行動由副總統 JD Vance 領導的專案小組主導，旨在停止對客工計劃的剝削。OIG 發現了一種有組織的欺詐模式，即公司提交不實的簽證申請，並強迫員工返還部分薪資。官員強調，這些做法降低了市場薪資，並奪走了美國工人的工作機會。此外，總稽查長 Anthony D'Esposito 斷言，簽證欺詐與國際犯罪組織之間存在聯繫，暗示這些非法勞工管道可能幫助幫派進入美國。
As part of this process, the OIG mentioned Cognizant, a large Indian technology company, after whistleblowers reported irregularities in their visa use. Although the government has not filed formal charges against the company, its high volume of visa applications means it requires more scrutiny. The investigation also covers other sectors, such as healthcare, where hiring unqualified staff is seen as a risk to public safety. Consequently, the OIG has issued several subpoenas and is collecting testimony from both displaced American workers and foreign nationals who suffered from forced labor.
作為此過程的一部分，OIG 在舉報人揭露簽證使用異常後，提及了印度大型科技公司 Cognizant。雖然政府尚未對該公司提起正式指控，但其巨大的簽證申請量意味著需要更嚴格的審查。調查還涵蓋其他部門，例如醫療保健，其中聘僱不合格人員被視為對公共安全的風險。因此，OIG 已發出多份傳票，並正在收集被取代的美國工人以及遭受強迫勞動的外國人的證詞。
Conclusion
The U.S. government is currently conducting a large-scale investigation into visa fraud and human trafficking, with several major corporations, including Cognizant, being monitored.
美國政府目前正對簽證欺詐與人口販運進行大規模調查，包括 Cognizant 在內的數家大公司正受到監控。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'Professional Pivot': Moving from Basic to Formal
At the A2 level, you describe the world using simple verbs like start, say, help, or stop. To reach B2, you need Precise Academic Verbs. These are words that describe how something is happening, not just that it is happening.
🔍 The Upgrade Path
Look at how the article transforms 'simple' ideas into 'B2' professional language:
| A2 Simple Idea | B2 Professional Alternative | Context from Text |
|---|---|---|
| Start an investigation | Conduct/Initiate | "...conducting a large-scale investigation" |
| Say something strongly | Assert | "...Anthony D'Esposito asserted that..." |
| Check carefully | Scrutinize | "...requires more scrutiny" |
| Stop something bad | Combat/Enforce | "This enforcement effort... aims to stop..." |
🛠️ Logic Connectors (The Glue)
B2 speakers don't just write short sentences; they link them to show cause and effect. Notice these two 'power-words' used in the text:
-
Furthermore: Use this instead of 'also' when you want to add a serious point to your argument.
- Example: The fraud is illegal. Furthermore, it is dangerous for the public.
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Consequently: Use this instead of 'so' to sound more professional when explaining a result.
- Example: The company lied on the form. Consequently, the government issued a subpoena.
💡 Pro Tip for your Transition
Stop using the word 'big'. In the text, the author uses 'large-scale' and 'high volume'. When you want to describe size in a professional context, ask yourself: Is it a scale, a volume, or a capacity?