The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Project Firewall has officially transitioned from a policy memo to a robust enforcement initiative, resulting in 175 investigations and approximately $15 million in back wages over the past eight months. The Secretary of Labor is now personally certifying H-1B investigations, utilizing authority that has remained largely dormant for over 30 years.
Key Details:
- 175 investigations initiated under Project Firewall.
- Approximately $15 million in back wages recovered.
- New $100,000 application fee for H-1B petitions implemented.
- Increased coordination among DOL, DOJ, EEOC, and USCIS.
The violations identified in these investigations are primarily related to standard procedural oversights, such as employees working at unlisted sites, wage discrepancies, and improper recruitment practices. The DOL’s Project Firewall emphasizes that self-certification alone will not provide sufficient protection against scrutiny. Employers are urged to review their Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), public access files, and recruitment materials to ensure compliance with the updated enforcement landscape.
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