Labor Dept Bans 4 Firms From H-1B Hiring Over Violations

The debarments take effect on staggered dates and run for two years each. GowraTech LLC is barred from May 12, 2025, through May 11, 2027; Renotek Group LLC from Aug. 8, 2025, through Aug. 7, 2027; Seeloz Inc. from March 4, 2026, through March 3, 2028; and Sherwood at Mount Dora Inc., doing business as Sherwood Academy, from May 26, 2026, through May 25, 2028.

A willful violator designation is issued when the Labor Department or the Justice Department determines an employer intentionally violated H-1B requirements or knowingly submitted false information in a Labor Condition Application. The application certifies compliance with wage rules, working conditions, and other labor standards for H-1B workers.

Employers with this designation face stricter conditions for up to five years after the violation. They must certify they have not replaced a U.S. worker with an H-1B employee, made efforts to hire U.S. workers first, and offered the job to an equally or better qualified U.S. applicant who applied.

Attorney General Anthony D'Esposito said on social media that some companies treat the H-1B program as a "get rich quick scam" and that his office is issuing subpoenas and executing warrants to protect U.S. jobs. The enforcement push comes as U.S. authorities step up efforts against visa fraud and labor violations.

The H-1B program remains a key route for skilled foreign professionals, including many Indian nationals, to work in the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it has received enough petitions to meet the fiscal year 2027 cap of 65,000 regular visas plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders. The administration is also considering higher H-1B and L-1 visa fees for renewals, which could raise costs for large employers and affect Indian workers, who make up the largest share of H-1B holders.