At a press conference on H-1B and J-1 visa fraud held on October 8, 2026, Vice President J. D. Vance and Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General for the Department of Labor, announced “a historic investigation into the J-1 visa fraud involving nine major American universities,” including the University of Pittsburgh, Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Brown, the University of California at Davis, Caltech, Arizona State, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “Subpoenas have been served, investigations are underway, and nobody will be getting a free pass because their name is carved into an expensive building,” Mr. D’Esposito said.
Among other things, he said, “We will investigate whether foreign influence, improper financial relationships, or visa abuse are compromising federally funded research.” He said the Trump administration is “establishing a visa fraud strike team, bringing together investigative expertise from across government. We will follow the money, uncover the schemes, and work with Attorney General Todd Blanche to prosecute criminals.”
Several of the universities flagged by the Trump administration issued statements after the Trump administration’s announcement. For example, a Brown University spokesperson said, “Brown’s international scholars, students and employees make essential contributions on our campus, including to teaching and research that advances American innovation, competitiveness and economic vitality. We have received a subpoena from the government for various records pertaining to foreign labor programs administered by the U.S. government, and we will respond promptly and directly to the government.” A spokesperson for MIT said the university is reviewing the Labor Department’s “very broad” subpoena. “We value international students and scholars on our campus. America’s ability to attract top talent from around the world while protecting U.S. economic and security interests is a national strength, and that competitive advantage should be supported,” she said.
