PITTSBURGH —
The Trump administration says they are launching an investigation into nine universities, including the University of Pittsburgh, over allegations of student visa fraud.
“While we see a lot of H-1B visa fraud, we also see a lot of J-1 visa fraud, and this is where some of America’s most elite universities bring in foreigners, again, to undercut the wages of American residents,” Vice President JD Vance said. “Now, there are nine universities in particular that we believe merit an investigation.”
The Schools MentionedHarvardYaleStanfordBrownUniversity of Pittsburgh,University of California, Davis (UC Davis)California Institute of Technology (CALTECH)Arizona StateMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Pitt Responds
Pitt said they have received and are reviewing the subpoena from the government in relation to their programs.
Full statement from the university: “We have received and are reviewing a subpoena from the Department of Labor that asks a number of questions about our participation in their visa programs. The University participates in federal visa programs, including the J-1 program, in accordance with all applicable federal requirements.”
According to the Associated Press, both MIT and Brown have also said their subpoenas are under review, while Yale said it would review the documents when it has them.
“Of note, each J-1 visa holder at MIT has been vetted and authorized to come here by the U.S. government, and we take seriously our obligations to follow U.S. law,” a spokesperson for MIT said.
“Bunch of nonsense attack…”
Congressman Chris Deluzio, who worked in cybersecurity at the University of Pittsburgh before his election, responded to the allegations against Pitt, writing online, “What a bunch of nonsense to attack Pitt.”
Full statement from Congressman Deluzio’s X page: “What a bunch of nonsense to attack Pitt. Your life isn’t a rip off because Pitt is a world-leading research institution that attracts the best and brightest. Your life is a rip off because the President and Vice President bumbled into a failed war with Iran, start reckless trade wars, and enrich their corrupt and powerful friends at our expense. Hail to Pitt!”
What is a J1 visa?
The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or receiving graduate medical education or training.
In carrying out the responsibilities of the Exchange Visitor Program, the Department of State designates public and private entities to act as exchange program sponsors. J-1 nonimmigrants are therefore sponsored by an exchange program that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of State.
Examples of exchange visitors:
Professors or scholarsResearch assistantsStudentsTraineesTeachersSpecialistsAu pairsCamp counselorsWhat is an H-1B visa?
The H-1B was created as part of the 1990 Immigration Act.
It is a type of nonimmigrant visa, meaning it allows for a temporary stay in the U.S. and is not intended for people who want to immigrate permanently. Some eventually do, but only after transitioning to different immigration statuses.
An H-1B allows employers to hire foreign workers who have specialized skills and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.