The Trump administration has launched investigations into nine elite American universities over alleged J-1 visa fraud while simultaneously suspending green card processing for foreign employees at major technology companies.
Vice President JD Vance announced Thursday that Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Brown, the University of Pittsburgh, UC Davis, Caltech, and Arizona State University merit investigation for alleged J-1 visa fraud, according to Xinhua News.
The universities are accused of using the J-1 exchange visitor program — which allows foreign students and scholars to come to the US for work and study exchanges — to undercut the wages of American graduate students and researchers.
“Something weird is going on at these universities,” Vance said at a press conference. “They’re using these visas way too much. They’re using them to undercut the wages of American grad students and American researchers, and it simply has to stop”.
The H-1B Green Card Freeze
The same day, the administration announced it would suspend Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, and Infosys from participating in the PERM labor certification program — the first step for H-1B visa holders seeking green cards through their employers.
“We will no longer accept or process any new or pending permanent labor certification applications involving these companies,” Labor Secretary Lori Sandling said. Vance said the measure would last “until the necessary period”.
Microsoft was singled out by Vance, who claimed the company “engaged in fraud” and must hire American workers. “You cannot fire American workers and replace them with foreign workers on unstable terms,” he said.
The Broader Visa Crackdown
The moves are part of a sweeping tightening of US visa policy that has accelerated since Trump returned to office. In August, the Department of Homeland Security proposed a fee of approximately $103,265 for H-1B cap-subject petitions.
On October 7, DHS proposed charging universities $70,000 for each international student’s first application for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and an additional $30,000 for extensions. NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, warned the fees “create deep uncertainty for international students”.
In July, DHS ended the “duration of status” system for F-1 and J-1 visa holders, replacing it with fixed admission periods of no more than four years. Extensions now require formal applications to USCIS.
The Universities Respond
Arizona State University said its hiring processes fully comply with US laws and policies. MIT said its J-1 visa holders have all undergone government review and authorization.
The investigation comes as a Justice Department lawyer indicated Trump is “very likely” to reissue a proclamation restricting international students at Harvard — a move previously blocked by a federal court.
The Bottom Line
The Trump administration has launched J-1 visa fraud investigations into nine elite universities including Stanford, Caltech, Harvard, and MIT while freezing green card processing for foreign employees at Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, and Infosys. The actions are part of a broader crackdown that includes proposed fees of over $100,000 for H-1B applications and $70,000 for student work authorization. The administration says the measures protect American workers; critics warn they will drive talent away and undermine US innovation.
My Opinion
The Trump administration says it is protecting American workers. What it is actually doing is punishing American universities and American companies for hiring the best people they can find.
The J-1 visa program has been a pillar of American scientific leadership for decades. It is how Stanford, MIT, and Caltech bring in researchers and scholars who go on to win Nobel Prizes, found companies, and train the next generation of American scientists. Investigating nine elite universities for “fraud” based on no public evidence is not oversight. It is intimidation.
The H-1B green card freeze is worse. Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, and Infosys are banned from sponsoring permanent residency for their foreign employees because the administration decided they “engaged in fraud” without proving it in court.
And then there is the price tag. A $103,265 fee for an H-1B petition. A $70,000 fee for a student to get work experience after graduation. Those numbers are designed to make sure no one applies.
