Trump’s Project Firewall Reshapes H-1B Visa Rules

The US Department of Labor announced a major H-1B visa enforcement initiative. The new program is called Project Firewall.

This action coincides with a new executive order from President Donald Trump. The order mandates a $100,000 payment with new H-1B petitions.

Project Firewall Aims to Prioritize American Workers

Project Firewall is designed to protect American jobs and wages. It will ensure employers hire qualified US workers first.

The initiative will aggressively investigate companies for compliance. According to the Department of Labor, this is a significant shift in enforcement strategy.

Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer is personally leading the charge. She stated the administration is committed to ending practices that disadvantage American workers.

Violations discovered could lead to severe penalties for companies. These include back pay for affected workers, large fines, and temporary bans from the visa program.

New $100,000 Fee Reshapes Visa Application Process

The accompanying executive order introduces a substantial financial requirement. Employers must now submit a $100,000 payment with each H-1B petition.

This move is intended to deter abuse of the visa system. The White House argues it will ensure the program is used only for highly specialized roles.

Critics have called the new fee a “tariff on talent.” They warn it could hinder US companies from recruiting essential global skills.

The administration believes it will effectively safeguard the domestic workforce. These changes represent the most significant overhaul of the H-1B system in years.

The combined actions signal a stringent crackdown on the H-1B visa program. This H-1B visa crackdown aims to reshape hiring practices and prioritize American labor.

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What is the main goal of Project Firewall?

Project Firewall aims to protect American workers’ jobs and wages. It ensures employers prioritize hiring qualified US citizens for highly skilled positions.

How does the new $100,000 fee work?

Employers must submit a $100,000 payment with each H-1B visa petition. This fee is designed to discourage companies from abusing the visa program for cheaper labor.

Which government agencies are involved in Project Firewall?

The Department of Labor is leading the initiative. It will work with the Department of Justice, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

What penalties can companies face for violations?

Non-compliant companies may have to pay back wages and civil fines. They can also be debarred from using the H-1B program for a set period.

When did these new rules take effect?

The Department of Labor announced Project Firewall on September 20, 2025. The new $100,000 fee was enacted by executive order on the same day.