In a May 2025 announcement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) expanded its corporate whistleblower program, increasing scrutiny of U.S. employers of noncitizens. The new policy forecasts a focus on noncitizens with H-1B or L-1 status and those who may have fallen out of immigration status.
Under the expanded program, DOJ is focusing on investigating and charging immigration violations by companies. Among the other new policies, U.S. Attorneys’ offices now must provide quarterly reports to DOJ on their immigration enforcement efforts. Specifically, the program now is likely to focus on employment of unauthorized workers, document fraud, harboring allegations, immigration eligibility misrepresentation, labor condition noncompliance, and noncompliance with other immigration regulations.
Individuals who provide original, truthful information leading to criminal or civil forfeiture exceeding $1 million may be eligible for awards under the program. Whistleblowers can receive up to 30 percent of the first $100 million in net proceeds forfeited and up to 5 percent of net proceeds between $100 million and $500 million.
The expanded policy warrants a proactive review and robust compliance measures by employers to mitigate legal risks, the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers said.
