On September 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced Project Firewall, a new enforcement initiative aimed at protecting America’s highly skilled workforce and strengthening oversight of the H-1B visa program.
This development follows the recent Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions. Together, these actions reflect a coordinated federal effort to reform the H-1B system, address abuses, and prioritize opportunities for U.S. workers.
What Is Project Firewall?
Project Firewall is a targeted enforcement program focused on rooting out fraud, abuse, and wage violations in the H-1B program. For the first time:
- The Secretary of Labor will personally certify all investigations into suspected H-1B violations.
- The DOL will coordinate closely with USCIS, DOJ, and EEOCÂ to share information and ensure consistent enforcement.
- Employers found to have violated H-1B rules may face back wage orders, civil fines, and possible debarment from the H-1B program.
Why Employers Should Pay Attention
With Project Firewall, the compliance bar has been raised. Employers should be prepared for:
- More investigations into Labor Condition Application (LCA) compliance.
- Greater scrutiny of H-1B wages, job duties, and worksites.
- Higher penalties if violations are uncovered.
- Cross-agency enforcement, meaning investigations may extend beyond DOL to DOJ or USCIS.
NPZ Guidance
Employers using the H-1B program should take proactive steps to reduce risk:
- Review LCA postings and maintain public access files.
- Audit wage and hour practices for H-1B workers.
- Ensure accurate job descriptions and proper use of specialty occupation roles.
- Consult with immigration counsel on compliance strategies.
FAQ: Project Firewall & H-1B Compliance
Q: Does Project Firewall change the H-1B petition process?
No. It does not change the filing process. It increases enforcement and oversight of compliance obligations.
Q: Who can be investigated?
Any employer using H-1B workers may be subject to investigation if DOL suspects fraud, wage violations, or abuse.
Q: What penalties can employers face?
Penalties include back wages, fines, and possible debarment from the H-1B program.
Q: How does this relate to the $100,000 H-1B fee Proclamation?
The Proclamation applies to new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Project Firewall is an enforcement initiative ensuring employers comply with existing H-1B obligations.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.