Joseph Edlow has officially taken charge as the new Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and he’s already making it clear that fraud in the H-1B system won’t be tolerated. Edlow, a Trump nominee, was confirmed by the Senate in a narrow 52–47 vote. He’s known for treating USCIS not as a service agency, but as an enforcement body. And now, with full control, he’s expected to launch a serious crackdown, starting with the H-1B program.
His past stints at USCIS and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) show a clear pattern of aggressive vetting and document scrutiny. That’s bad news for consulting firms, staffing companies, and genuine workers who might get caught in the crossfire. Already, people have been reporting increased site visits and a surge in RFEs (Requests for Evidence) from the authorities. For Indians on H-1B visas, this could bring back memories of Trump’s first term, as long delays, high rejection rates, and sudden policy shifts might follow.
Moreover, Edlow has openly shown his intention to end the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program that gives a work permit to international students for up to a year. As expected from a Trump nominee, the USCIS is set for a major overhaul, and if pursued in the right spirit, busting H-1B fraud will only be beneficial for genuine visa applicants, who will welcome this change. However, the ground reality remains to be seen.
