How to Report Companies Engaging in Visa Fraud and Worker Exploitation

Key Takeaways

As of February 2025, USCIS, ICE, DOL, and DOJ provide procedures for reporting visa fraud involving labor exploitation in the U.S.
USCIS handles H-1B and H-2B fraud reports via emails to [email protected] and [email protected].
ICE allows reporting visa fraud via an online tip form or by calling 1-866-347-2423, with investigation details kept private.

Reporting a company that illegally brings employees to the United States 🇺🇸 on travel visas and makes them work is a crucial step in addressing labor exploitation and ensuring compliance with immigration laws. This practice, often classified as visa fraud, violates workers’ rights and U.S. immigration regulations. By following the proper channels to report such activity, individuals can help authorities investigate and prevent these violations. As of February 2025, several federal agencies, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), provide specific procedures for reporting suspected visa fraud. Below is a detailed guide on how to report such violations effectively, while also safeguarding your rights.

Reporting to USCIS

How to Report Companies Engaging in Visa Fraud and Worker Exploitation

One of the first agencies to turn to is USCIS. If you suspect that a company is involved in fraudulent visa practices, USCIS provides dedicated resources to address such issues. Although USCIS primarily focuses on H-1B and H-2B visa fraud, the processes for reporting abuse remain similar for other visa types. To report visa fraud, you can email:

[email protected] for H-1B visa concerns.
[email protected] for H-2B visa concerns.

When reaching out, include as much information as possible, such as the company’s name, specific details of the alleged fraud, and any supporting evidence. Providing detailed information is essential to facilitate a thorough investigation. USCIS collaborates with other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enforce immigration laws and address visa-related abuses. For further information, you can visit USCIS’s official website.

Reporting to ICE

ICE plays a key role in investigating visa fraud and enforcing immigration laws. Its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division actively investigates cases involving labor exploitation. ICE offers two main reporting options:

Online Tip Form: You can use the ICE Tip Form to report suspected criminal activities in detail. This form allows you to outline specific allegations and include any additional evidence.
ICE Tip Line: Call 1-866-347-2423 (or 1-866-DHS-2-ICE) to report potential visa fraud. This toll-free tip line operates in the U.S. and Canada and offers assistance in both English and Spanish.

When submitting a report, include specific details such as the company’s location, names of individuals involved, and descriptions of fraudulent activities. Keep in mind that ICE does not offer status updates on submitted tips; however, the information is forwarded to the appropriate office for further action.

Reporting to the Department of Labor

The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) is actively involved in protecting workers and enforcing federal labor laws. If you believe that a company is engaging in visa fraud involving labor law violations, you have the following options:

Call the Toll-Free Number: Reach the DOL at 1-866-487-9243 (with TDD access at 1-877-889-5627 for the deaf or hard of hearing). DOL offers live interpreters in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility to individuals from all backgrounds.
Use Form WH-4: This form allows you to report suspected H-1B visa violations by an employer. It’s an effective tool for addressing fraudulent practices that involve worker exploitation.

Before reporting, gather detailed evidence such as employment contracts, communications, or other documents relevant to the claim. The DOL provides strong protections to workers reporting violations, which is particularly helpful if you are concerned about retaliation from an employer.

Reporting to the Department of Justice

The DOJ’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) enforces anti-discrimination regulations under the Immigration and Nationality Act. While the IER primarily targets discrimination, they can provide guidance if a report involves visa fraud. To contact the DOJ, you can:

Call the Worker Hotline: Dial 1-800-255-7688 (or 1-800-237-2515 for TDD services) for assistance. Interpreters are available to ensure those with limited English-speaking abilities can participate fully.
Email IER: Send reports to [email protected] with details about your concern.

The DOJ works closely with other agencies to address immigration-related fraud and may direct your report to the appropriate authority if necessary.

Steps to Take Before Reporting

Before filing a report, it is essential to prepare thoroughly to ensure that your claim can be investigated effectively. Consider the following steps:

Gather Evidence: Collect as much documentation as you can, such as contracts, emails, written communications, or witnesses who can verify the allegation. Concrete evidence strengthens your report significantly.
Be Specific: Clearly outline the fraudulent activities, including the company’s name, location, and the individuals involved.
Protect Your Identity: If you work for the company you’re reporting, you could face retaliation. Federal laws offer protections to whistleblowers, but it’s advisable to consult an employment attorney for legal guidance.
Avoid Sharing Information: To prevent any backlash or interference in the investigation, do not discuss your report with colleagues or other employees.
Manage Your Expectations: Federal agencies typically do not provide updates on submitted reports. However, they assure that all tips are investigated promptly.

Recent Developments in Visa Fraud Enforcement

In recent years, federal agencies have ramped up efforts to combat labor exploitation and visa-related offenses. ICE’s worksite enforcement strategy prioritizes the prosecution of employers who knowingly violate immigration laws. Common issues investigated alongside visa fraud include document fraud, money laundering, and worker exploitation.

DHS has also introduced initiatives to protect workers and enhance enforcement capabilities. In October 2021, DHS issued a Policy Statement (065-06) focused on supporting workplace safety and protecting workers from immigration-related retaliation. This policy enables DHS to offer temporary discretionary protection to workers who lack proper employment authorization, encouraging them to participate in investigations without fear. These changes aim to hold employers accountable while empowering victims to report violations.

Conclusion

Reporting a company for illegally bringing employees to the United States 🇺🇸 on travel visas and forcing them to work is a vital responsibility for those who witness such exploitation. As of February 2025, numerous federal agencies, including USCIS, ICE, DOL, and DOJ, provide robust reporting frameworks to address visa fraud. When reporting, it is critical to supply detailed and accurate information to strengthen the investigation. Individuals must also prioritize their safety by gathering evidence discreetly and seeking legal advice if needed. Recent measures by the Department of Homeland Security emphasize protecting workers and holding unethical employers accountable. By taking action, you help uphold immigration laws, defend workers’ rights, and contribute to a fair labor system in the United States.

For detailed information about U.S. immigration laws and reporting processes, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Reports like these are crucial to maintaining a fair and lawful system, safeguarding both the integrity of immigration programs and the dignity of workers.

Learn Today

Visa Fraud → The illegal use of visas, such as misrepresentation or misuse, often for exploiting workers or bypassing immigration laws.
Whistleblower → A person who reports illegal or unethical activities, such as visa fraud, often involving their employer.
Retaliation → Negative actions taken by an employer against someone for reporting misconduct, such as termination or harassment.
H-1B Visa → A nonimmigrant visa allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations requiring certain expertise.
Worksite Enforcement → Government strategies to investigate and prosecute employers violating labor or immigration laws, including visa-related offenses.

This Article in a Nutshell

Exploiting workers by misusing travel visas isn’t just unethical—it’s illegal. Reporting such practices protects workers’ rights and upholds U.S. immigration laws. Agencies like USCIS, ICE, and the DOL offer anonymous reporting options. Gather evidence, stay discreet, and take action. Your voice can help combat fraud and create a fairer labor system.
— By VisaVerge.com