USCIS Identifies 100 H-1B Cases Linked to DEI Roles
WASHINGTON — U.S. immigration officials have identified about 100 H-1B visa cases tied to diversity, equity and inclusion roles as the Trump administration increases scrutiny of the visa program.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph B. Edlow disclosed the figure in an April 21 letter responding to concerns raised by Sen. Eric Schmitt.
Edlow said USCIS reviewed H-1B petitions filed between fiscal years 2021 and 2024 to identify cases connected to DEI-related positions.
“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 said the agency excluded unrelated financial positions that contained similar language, such as roles using the term “private equity.”
The review is part of a broader Trump administration effort targeting DEI programs across government and related policy areas. Edlow cited an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” as part of that push.
He also referred to a presidential proclamation issued Sept. 19, 2025, restricting entry for certain nonimmigrant workers. Under that policy, certain H-1B petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. EDT on Sept. 21, 2025, are subject to a $100,000 payment.
USCIS called the measure an “important, initial, and incremental step” toward reforming the H-1B program, saying it is intended to curb abuse and protect American workers.
Edlow said USCIS is preparing additional policy changes aimed at DEI-related H-1B filings.
“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 the agency is willing to work with lawmakers on legislative or regulatory changes “to promote American values and put the American people first.”
USCIS also offered to brief Schmitt’s office as the policy work moves forward. (Source: IANS)
