Trump Admin Targets H-1B Employers With Layoff Records in New Crackdown

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 28, 2026

The Trump administration is moving to restrict H-1B visa use by employers who have recently laid off American workers, with VP JD Vance confirming officials are reviewing employer layoff histories as part of broader enforcement efforts. An executive order signed September 18 directs federal agencies to factor in recent or planned U.S. worker layoffs when evaluating H-1B petitions. Additional measures include a proposed $103,265 fee on cap-subject petitions, a weighted selection system favoring higher-paid positions, and enforcement actions against firms including Cognizant. Staffing firms that place H-1B workers should closely audit client layoff histories and prepare for increased scrutiny, longer processing timelines, and potential compliance exposure across the H-1B and PERM programs.