US 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 Trump administration has started a detailed investigation into suspected fraud within the H-1B and PERM employment visa systems to protect the American job market.
川普政府已開始詳細調查 H-1B 與 PERM 就業簽證系統中涉嫌欺詐的情況，以保護美國就業市場。
Main Body
The investigation is being led by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and a special task force. They are focusing on how some companies may be abusing visa programs that were originally created to fill real shortages of skilled workers. The OIG has found serious problems, such as fake applications and illegal payment schemes where workers are forced to give back part of their wages. Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito stated that the probe is based on information from whistleblowers. He mentioned that the company Cognizant was discussed in these reports, although the company has not been formally charged with any crime.
此次調查由總稽查長辦公室 (OIG) 及一個特別專案小組領導。他們重點關注部分公司如何濫用原意為填補專業人才短缺的簽證計劃。OIG 發現了嚴重問題，例如虛假申請，以及強迫員工退還部分薪資的非法支付計劃。總稽查長 Anthony D'Esposito 表示，該調查是根據舉報者提供的資訊而進行。他提到報告中討論了 Cognizant 公司，儘管該公司尚未被正式指控任何罪行。
Furthermore, Vice President JD Vance emphasized that this action is necessary to stop domestic wages from falling and to protect taxpayer money. The administration believes there is a connection between some foreign labor abuses and international criminal networks. Because Indian citizens made up about 71% of approved H-1B visas in 2024, the results of this investigation could significantly affect labor relations between the US and India. This crackdown is happening while the government is also dealing with a court order that blocked a proposed $100,000 application fee for new H-1B visas.
此外，副總統 JD Vance 強調，此舉對於防止國內薪資下降及保護納稅人的資金至關重要。政府認為部分外籍勞工濫用行為與國際犯罪網絡之間存在聯繫。由於 2024 年獲批的 H-1B 簽證中約 71% 為印度公民，因此調查結果可能會對美國與印度之間的勞工關係產生重大影響。此次打擊行動是在政府處理法院禁止徵收 10 萬美元新 H-1B 簽證申請費之命令的同時進行的。
Conclusion
The Department of Labor is continuing to collect evidence and legal documents to ensure the US skilled worker immigration system remains fair and honest.
勞工部將繼續收集證據與法律文件，以確保美國專業人才移民系統保持公平與誠實。
Vocabulary Learning
The 'Power-Up' Shift: Moving from Simple to Complex Connections
At the A2 level, you likely use simple connectors like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to use linking words that show complex relationships between ideas.
Look at this specific transition from the text:
"This crackdown is happening while the government is also dealing with a court order..."
⚡ Why is this a B2 move?
Instead of writing two separate, short sentences (e.g., "The crackdown is happening. The government is also dealing with a court order."), the writer uses "while" to show two things happening at the exact same time. This creates a 'flow' that sounds professional and academic.
🛠️ Upgrading your Vocabulary
In the article, we see a pattern of "High-Impact Verbs." A2 students use start or stop. B2 students use specific, precise actions:
- Instead of "Started an investigation" "Led a probe" (A 'probe' is a formal, deep investigation).
- Instead of "Stop wages from falling" "Prevent domestic wages from declining".
- Instead of "Doing a crackdown" "Implementing a crackdown".
🎯 The Logic of 'Although'
Notice the sentence: "...the company Cognizant was discussed in these reports, although the company has not been formally charged..."
The B2 Secret: Use although to introduce a contrast that limits the first part of your sentence. It tells the reader: "I am giving you a fact, but here is a reason why that fact isn't the whole story."
Try this mental switch:
- A2: The company is in the report. But they are not guilty.
- B2: The company is mentioned in the reports, although they have not been charged with a crime.