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USCIS Flags 100 H-1B Visa Cases Linked to DEI Roles, Citing Abuse Concerns

US immigration authorities have identified about 100 H-1B visa cases linked to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) roles. The review, initiated after concerns raised by Senator Eric Schmitt, covers petitions filed between fiscal years 2021 and 2024. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow stated the agency is preparing policy updates to prevent abuse of the H-1B program via DEI initiatives. The move aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order targeting DEI programs, with further legislative or regulatory remedies promised.

Key Points: USCIS Flags 100 H-1B Cases Linked to DEI Roles

  • USCIS flags 100 H-1B visa cases linked to DEI roles
  • Review covers petitions from 2021-2024
  • Trump executive order targets DEI programs
  • Agency plans policy updates to curb abuse
2 min read

USCIS flags 100 H-1B cases linked to DEI roles

USCIS identifies 100 H-1B cases tied to DEI roles, citing abuse. Director Edlow vows policy changes under Trump's executive order to protect American workers.

"This initial analysis identified approximately 100 cases where the position title referenced 'diversity', 'equity', 'inclusion' or similar terms - Joseph B. Edlow"

Washington, May 1

The US immigration authorities have identified about 100 H-1B visa cases linked to diversity, equity and inclusion roles, according to an official response to a senator, as the administration steps up scrutiny of the programme.

In a letter dated April 21, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow said the agency reviewed H-1B petitions filed between fiscal years 2021 and 2024 following concerns raised by Senator Eric Schmitt.

"This initial analysis identified approximately 100 cases where the position title referenced 'diversity', 'equity', 'inclusion' or similar terms, and the role appeared to be DEI-related to some degree," Edlow wrote.

He added that "several unrelated financial roles, including terms such as 'private equity', were excluded."

The review marks part of a broader policy push under President Donald Trump targeting DEI programmes. Edlow said Trump had taken action through an Executive Order titled 'Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing'.

He also cited a presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025. "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, under which certain H-1B petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, are subject to a $100,000 payment," the letter said.

USCIS described the measure as "an important, initial, and incremental step to reform the H-1B visa programme to curb abuses and protect American workers".

Edlow said the agency is preparing further policy changes. "I have directed the USCIS Office of Policy and Strategy to develop a policy update to prevent abuse of the H-1B program via DEI initiatives," he wrote.

He said USCIS is "committed to working with you and your office toward necessary remedies, whether legislative or regulatory, to promote American values and put the American people first."

The agency also offered to brief lawmakers as the work progresses. "We would be happy to coordinate a briefing with you and your team to explain the progress made in this effort," Edlow said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Honestly, this is just Trump-era immigration policy rearing its head again. DEI isn't some "radical" concept—it's about creating workplaces where everyone has a fair chance. India has its own massive diversity challenges with caste and region, so maybe we should understand that. That said, I get why USCIS is scrutinizing—some companies do game the system. But targeting only 100 cases out of thousands feels more like political theater than real reform.
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Priya S
As an HR professional who's worked with multinationals, I can tell you that DEI roles are legitimate and needed. Indian talent often brings unique perspectives to American companies. But I also have to point out: some Indian consultancies have historically used visa programs in shady ways. The $100,000 fee is harsh, though. For a middle-class Indian family, that's like three years' salary. 😐
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Michael C
I'm an Indian American who works in tech. The irony is that many DEI roles in Silicon Valley are held by Indian immigrants who understand cross-cultural dynamics. This policy feels targeted and xenophobic, not like a genuine attempt to fix visa abuse. The real abuse is companies paying H-1B workers below market rates, not hiring for diversity roles.
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Vikram M
Look, I have mixed feelings. My sister works in DEI at a US firm and she's brilliant—her work has helped Indian employees navigate American workplace culture. But I also know some consultants who file H-1B for any random role just to get a foot in the door. USCIS should focus on the big abusers, not make blanket assumptions. At least they excluded "private equity" roles—imagine if they'd targeted those! 😅

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