Featured Stories
Texas Releases New World Screwworm Infested Zones
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued the following program update:
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Texas Releases New World Screwworm Infested Zones
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The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has released one New World screwworm (NWS) infested zone in Texas and modified another, with concurrence from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). These actions come after state and federal subject matter experts confirmed that the areas met requirements outlined in APHIS' New World Screwworm Response Playbook for zone release.
The zones
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued the following program update:
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Texas Releases New World Screwworm Infested Zones
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The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has released one New World screwworm (NWS) infested zone in Texas and modified another, with concurrence from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). These actions come after state and federal subject matter experts confirmed that the areas met requirements outlined in APHIS' New World Screwworm Response Playbook for zone release.
The zonesbeing released/modified are:
Releasing or modifying infested zones removes NWS-related movement requirements for livestock and pets within certain areas. All interstate movement requirements and international export requirements will still apply.
Several infested zones in Texas remain in place, and APHIS continues to work closely with TAHC to evaluate conditions for future zone releases. All Texas animal owners should visit the TAHC website to ensure they have the latest information about the location of infested zones, movement requirements, and zone-specific requirements.
APHIS and TAHC remain committed to supporting continuity of business for producers, and will continue applying science-based surveillance, early detection, and rapid response measures to ensure that areas are released as soon as the criteria have been met.
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Original text here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/program-update/texas-releases-new-world-screwworm-infested-zones
MSPB Issues Board Decision Involving Department of Agriculture Vs. Keith Bergstrom
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Merit Systems Protection Board issued the following case report on a board decision involving the Department of Agriculture and appellant Keith Bergstrom on Oct. 9, 2026:
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BOARD DECISIONS
Appellant: Keith Bergstrom
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Decision Number: 2026 MSPB 9
Docket Numbers: PH-0752-25-0048-I-1 & PH-3443-25-0200-I-1 & PH-122125-0230-W-1
Issuance Date: October 7, 2026
SANCTIONS
The appellant filed an appeal, MSPB Docket No. PH-0752-25-0048-I-1 (Bergstrom I), challenging the agency's decision to remove him for medical inability to perform.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Merit Systems Protection Board issued the following case report on a board decision involving the Department of Agriculture and appellant Keith Bergstrom on Oct. 9, 2026:
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BOARD DECISIONS
Appellant: Keith Bergstrom
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Decision Number: 2026 MSPB 9
Docket Numbers: PH-0752-25-0048-I-1 & PH-3443-25-0200-I-1 & PH-122125-0230-W-1
Issuance Date: October 7, 2026
SANCTIONS
The appellant filed an appeal, MSPB Docket No. PH-0752-25-0048-I-1 (Bergstrom I), challenging the agency's decision to remove him for medical inability to perform.The administrative judge issued an initial decision dismissing the appeal without prejudice for 90 days as a sanction because, despite repeated warnings, the appellant continued to send emails to employees at the Board and his former agency and to submit pleadings containing profanity, threats, and derogatory statements, including statements based on race and sexual orientation.
While Bergstrom I was pending, the appellant filed two additional appeals, MSPB Nos. PH-3443-25-0200-I-1 (Bergstrom II) & PH-1221-25-0230-W-1 (Bergstrom III). Shortly after the administrative judge dismissed Bergstrom I without prejudice, the appellant sent numerous emails and submitted pleadings containing profanity and insults directed at Board personnel in Bergstrom II and III. As a result, the administrative judge joined the two appeals and issued an initial decision that dismissed them with prejudice.
The appellant petitioned the full Board for review of the initial decisions in Bergstrom I, II, and III. He also continued his conduct on review. The Board compiled a representative sample of more than 100 emails sent over 9 months to Board officials and personnel, many containing abusive, profane, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate language. The Board Clerk and the Director of Regional Operations jointly issued a letter warning the appellant that failure to cease his conduct could result in sanctions, including dismissal with prejudice.
The appellant then sent nearly 75 additional emails to Board employees and officials, impeding their ability to perform their duties. The appellant also sent profane and threatening emails to the agency representative, who obtained a temporary restraining order and withdrew from the case. The Board Clerk imposed a 1-year ban on the appellant's email communications with the Board, advised him that he may have engaged in ex parte communications by emailing decision-making officials about the merits of his appeals, and provided him with an opportunity to respond. He did not do so.
HOLDING: Dismissal with prejudice was warranted for contumacious conduct and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
1. The Board found that dismissal of Bergstrom I with prejudice was an appropriate sanction because, despite receiving repeated warnings and opportunities to correct his behavior, the appellant continued to send abusive, threatening, profane, and excessive communications to Board personnel and others. Before dismissing the appeal, the administrative judge and Acting Chief Administrative Judge had warned the appellant that his communications violated the Board's Policy on Prohibited Conduct, directed him to refrain from using offensive and unprofessional language, and provided him with an opportunity to show good cause why sanctions should not be imposed. The Board concluded that the appellant demonstrated bad faith in his repeated noncompliance with Board orders.
2. The Board found that the appellant's diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder did not preclude sanctions. The Board reasoned that the appellant understood that his behavior was inappropriate, as demonstrated by the fact that he apologized at one point during the proceedings in Bergstrom I. Further, the appellant's condition did not justify subjecting Board employees to abuse without consequence.
3. Although the appellant had not received separate warnings about his conduct in Bergstrom II and III, dismissal of these appeals with prejudice was in the interest of justice because he was already on notice that his behavior was improper and could result in sanctions. In reaching this conclusion, the Board took official notice that, in Bergstrom I, the Acting Chief Administrative Judge had provided the appellant with the Board's Policy on Prohibited Conduct and the appellant was repeatedly warned that his conduct violated that policy and that dismissal was a possible consequence. Despite these warnings, the appellant continued his contumacious conduct before the administrative judge and on review.
4. The Board noted that the appellant's ex parte communications provided an independent basis for dismissal with prejudice because his emails to Board decisionmakers about the merits of his appeals, without including the agency, violated Board's ex parte regulations.
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COURT DECISIONS
NONPRECEDENTIAL:
Thorogood v. Merit Systems Protection Board, No. 2026-1588 (Fed. Cir. Oct. 8, 2026) (MSPB Docket No. DC-0752-24-0353-I-1). The court affirmed the Board's dismissal of the petitioner's removal appeal as moot, finding that the agency had completely rescinded the action by restoring him to status quo ante and that the administrative judge had not improperly shifted the burden of proof to the appellant. The court further found that, although succinct, the Board's final order adequately addressed the dispositive issue and was not unlawful under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
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Original text here: https://www.mspb.gov/decisions/case_reports/Case_Report_October_9_2026_4161462.pdf
ICYMI in HousingWire | HUD Action Ensures FHA Loans are for Americans Only
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the following news release:
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ICYMI in HousingWire | HUD Action Ensures FHA Loans are for Americans Only
Following HUD Action, Homeownership Loans for Illegals and Non-Residents Drop
October 9, 2026
WASHINGTON - New data reveals Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans for non-permanent residents and illegals fell from 6% to nearly zero after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development revoked their eligibility in May 2025.
"President Trump promised to put Americans first, and HUD delivered,"
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the following news release:
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ICYMI in HousingWire | HUD Action Ensures FHA Loans are for Americans Only
Following HUD Action, Homeownership Loans for Illegals and Non-Residents Drop
October 9, 2026
WASHINGTON - New data reveals Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans for non-permanent residents and illegals fell from 6% to nearly zero after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development revoked their eligibility in May 2025.
"President Trump promised to put Americans first, and HUD delivered,"said Secretary Turner. "We are preventing illegals and non-residents from accessing taxpayer-backed programs at the expense of American homebuyers. Today, that share is zero. Make no mistake -- exploit our citizens, and HUD will act."
Watch Secretary Turner break down what this means for Americans: (https://www.youtube.com/feed/trending)
Changes to residency requirements for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans have sharply reduced the share of FHA purchase mortgages made to non-permanent residents, according to origination data from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).
In March 2025, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued Mortgagee Letter 2025-09 and Title I Letter 490, removing the "non-permanent resident" category from FHA's Single Family Title I and Title II programs, effective May 25, 2025.
Before the policy changes took effect, non-permanent residents accounted for about 5.8% of FHA purchase originations and 5.6% of purchase mortgages across the broader market, according to ICE data shared with HousingWire. After the changes, their share of FHA purchase loans fell to about 0.1%, while their share of purchase mortgages across all loan types declined by 2.2 percentage points to 3.4%, the data shows.
"President Trump promised to put Americans first, and HUD delivered," Secretary Scott Turner said in a statement. "We are preventing illegals and non-residents from accessing taxpayer-backed programs at the expense of American homebuyers. Today, that share is zero. Make no mistake -- exploit our citizens, and HUD will act."
Market-specific impacts
The changes have had a larger impact in some markets where non-permanent residents had previously represented a relatively significant share of FHA purchase activity.
ICE evaluated markets with the highest non-permanent resident alien share of purchase originations prior to the FHA policy change (measured from second-quarter 2024 through first-quarter 2025) and filtered to the 100 largest U.S. markets and 33 markets along the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada.
Utah markets recorded some of the largest declines. In Salt Lake City, non-permanent residents accounted for 26% of FHA purchase originations before the changes, compared with 0.15% afterward (Q4 2025 to the present). In Provo, the share fell from 20% to less than 0.5%.
Florida markets also saw declines. In Orlando, the pre-policy share went from 16.1% to a post-policy share of 0.2%. Lakeland went from 13.6% to 0.16%, and both Cape Coral and Miami went from 10% to less than 1%.
Other markets also recorded significant declines. Raleigh's share fell from 11.1% to 0.8%, while San Jose's fell from about 10% to 0%.
The data suggests that conventional lending has not fully offset the decline in FHA lending to non-permanent residents. ICE data shows that non-permanent resident volume across conventional prime conforming loans remained relatively stable rather than increasing by a comparable amount.
"This new policy has definitely had an impact on families that would have qualified before May 2025," said Michael Brown, a Tennessee-based home loan specialist at Churchill Mortgage. "Many of these borrowers are doing conventional loans now because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac permit lawful non-permanent residents to obtain financing."
Brown said that non-QM loans are another option for non-permanent residents, but that the new policy limits affordable financing options. "Some of these non-permanent residents will end up having to put more money down, work on improving their credit scores to qualify, or simply will need to wait until they obtain permanent-resident status," he said.
Isaac Schultz, a Michigan-based home loan specialist at Churchill Mortgage, echoed that the only options for non-permanent residents are conventional financing or "some flavor of non-qualified mortgage financing."
"I am currently working on a loan in one such scenario, and it does make it far more difficult for the borrower to qualify. For better or for worse, that was the main desired result of the policy change," Schultz said.
Home price declines
It is unclear whether the declines have affected affordability, but most markets in the ICE dataset recorded lower prices after the policy changes took effect, according to HousingWire Data.
In Salt Lake City, the median list price for a single-family home ranged from $619,900 to $795,000 from Q2 2024 through Q1 2025. From Q4 2025 to the present, prices ranged from $620,000 to $742,450.
In Provo, the median list price ranged from $630,000 to $877,400 from Q2 2024 through Q1 2025, compared with $589,900 to $699,950 from Q4 2025 to the present.
Prices also shifted in Florida markets. In Orlando, the median list price ranged from $490,000 to $544,950 before the policy change, then dropped to a range of $489,000 to $525,000 afterward.
The change appeared to have no impact on prices in Lakeland, where they ranged from $350,000 to $374,999 before the change, and from $357,000 to $375,000 afterward. In Cape Coral, however, prices ranged from $475,000 to $510,000 before the policy changes, compared with $420,000 to $467,450 afterward.
In Raleigh, the median list price for a single-family home ranged from $579,900 to $699,000 before the change, but later dropped to $522,000 to $624,900.
San Jose, one of the nation's most expensive markets, saw a smaller shift. The median list price for a single-family home there ranged from $1.56 million to $1.70 million from Q2 2024 through Q1 2025. From Q4 2025 to the present, prices ranged from $1.498 million to $1.70 million.
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Original text here: https://www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-26-084
FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Issues Public Notice: Bureau Announces Upper C-Band Clearinghouse Selection Criteria and Submission Process
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issued the following public notice (GN Docket No. 25-59):
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With this Public Notice, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) announces that it has received the attached detailed selection criteria and related submission instructions for proposals for the position of Upper C-band Clearinghouse.
On July 24, 2026, the Commission released the Upper C-band R&O, which adopted rules to make 160 megahertz of mid-band spectrum available for flexible use throughout the contiguous United States
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issued the following public notice (GN Docket No. 25-59):
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With this Public Notice, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) announces that it has received the attached detailed selection criteria and related submission instructions for proposals for the position of Upper C-band Clearinghouse.
On July 24, 2026, the Commission released the Upper C-band R&O, which adopted rules to make 160 megahertz of mid-band spectrum available for flexible use throughout the contiguous United Statesby transitioning incumbent Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) operations out of 4.0-4.16 GHz./1 The Upper C-band R&O provided for the creation of an independent, third-party Upper C-band Clearinghouse to oversee the cost-related aspects of the transition, including the receipt, review, and disposition of all actual cost and lump sum reimbursement claims./2 The Upper C-band Clearinghouse will also administer the rebates for adjacent band radio altimeter retrofits./3
The Upper C-band R&O required a selection committee of stakeholders to establish detailed selection criteria based upon the Upper C-band Clearinghouse's duties set forth in section 27.1414(c) of the Commission's rules and to notify the Bureau of such criteria within 30 days of its initial meeting./4 The Commission directed the Bureau to issue a public notice that: (1) notifies the public of the detailed selection criteria; (2) outlines the submission requirements; and (3) provides the closing dates for candidate submissions./5 The selection committee timely notified the Bureau of its updated selection criteria and proposal submission instructions on October 7, 2026./6
The selection committee's notification, attached to this Public Notice, specifies its detailed selection criteria and instructions for filing proposals for the clearinghouse position. The selection committee requests that potential clearinghouse candidates with any questions about the selection criteria or submission requirements may email the selection committee no later than October 23, 2026, at RPCSelectionCommittee@gmail.com. Potential clearinghouse candidates must submit proposals according to the filing instructions contained in the selection committee's notification no later than November 9, 2026./7
The selection committee and potential clearinghouse candidates are reminded that the selection process must comply with all requirements of the Upper C-band R&O and the Commission's rules./8 The selection committee shall inform the Commission of its choice no later than December 15, 2026, after which the Bureau will release a public notice seeking comment on whether that entity meets the selection criteria./9 The Bureau will then issue a final order announcing whether the selection criteria has been satisfied./10 After release of a decision finding that the clearinghouse selectee meets the relevant criteria, the selection committee will be dissolved without further action by the Commission./11
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Footnotes:
1/ See generally Upper C-band (3.98-4.2 GHz), Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band, GN Docket Nos. 25-59 and 18-122, Report and Order, Order of Proposed Modification, and Order on Reconsideration, FCC 2646 (July 24, 2026) (Upper C-band R&O). The full Upper C-band includes 3.98-4.2 GHz, and new licensees in the 3.7 GHz Service will operate from 3.98-4.14 GHz, with a guard band from 4.14-4.16 GHz. Id. at 3-4, 13, paras. 3, 27.
2/ Id. at 69-76, paras. 142-54.
3/ Id. at 87-88, para. 181 & n.639.
4/ 47 CFR Sec. 27.1414(c); Upper C-band R&O at 76-79, paras. 155-60.
5/ Upper C-band R&O at 77-78, para. 157.
6/ See Letter from Sharon Pinkerton, SVP - Legislative and Regulatory Policy, A4A - Airlines for America et al., to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC, GN Docket No. 25-59 at Attach. (filed Oct. 7, 2026). The selection committee indicates that its first meeting was held on September 9, 2026. Id., Attach. at 2 & n.5. Potential clearinghouse candidates and the selection committee are directed to use the updated version of the selection criteria and submission instructions filed on October 7, 2026, and disregard the original version submitted to the Bureau on October 1, 2026.
7/ Id., Attach. at 14-15.
8/ See, e.g., Upper C-band R&O at 76-79, paras. 155-60 & n.552; 47 CFR Sec. 27.1414.
9/ Upper C-band R&O at 77-78, para. 157.
10/ Id.
11/ Id.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1099A1.pdf
Energy Department Supports FERC's Call for PJM to Protect Ratepayers and Build More Reliable Power
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release:
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Energy Department Supports FERC's Call for PJM to Protect Ratepayers and Build More Reliable Power
DOE urges PJM to require large new electricity users to pay for the generation and infrastructure needed to serve them.
October 9, 2026
WASHINGTON--The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced its support for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) guidance that would help ensure lower electricity costs for American families and businesses across the PJM Interconnection LLC's (PJM) region
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release:
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Energy Department Supports FERC's Call for PJM to Protect Ratepayers and Build More Reliable Power
DOE urges PJM to require large new electricity users to pay for the generation and infrastructure needed to serve them.
October 9, 2026
WASHINGTON--The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced its support for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) guidance that would help ensure lower electricity costs for American families and businesses across the PJM Interconnection LLC's (PJM) regionspanning across the mid-Atlantic. DOE filed a Notice of Intervention and Statement of Position with FERC supporting its recommendation for PJM's proposed Reliability Backstop Procurement. FERC recommends PJM submit revised tariff provisions to implement appropriate cost allocation and other reforms. FERC's recommendations are consistent with President Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, ensuring large electricity users pay for the generation and infrastructure needed to serve them.
This action follows the Trump Administration's call in January 2026 for PJM to adopt market rules to strengthen grid reliability and reduce electricity costs. Specifically, the Administration asked PJM to hold an emergency power auction and to accelerate the development of reliable power generation. The Trump administration was joined by governors from all 13 states who participate in the PJM grid.
"The Trump Administration remains committed to doing everything it can to lower electricity costs, grow the supply of American energy and strengthen grid reliability," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "That's why President Trump created the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, and the Energy Department supports having large electricity users pay for reliable new power generation."
"In January, the Trump Administration recognized early warning signs of capacity shortfalls in PJM and joined the Governors of all 13 PJM states in issuing a Statement of Principles to PJM, calling for PJM to adopt market rules to strengthen grid reliability and reduce electricity costs for American families and businesses," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly. "By increasing transparency and preventing unjust cost shifts onto existing customers, the proposed reforms advance President Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge while ensuring Americans continue to have access to affordable, reliable, and secure electricity."
DOE supports an urgent procurement that would:
* Lower electricity costs for Americans by ensuring large load users pay for new generation and infrastructure.
* Protect households and businesses from subsidizing large loads.
* Use accurate and transparent demand information.
* Allow large loads to build, bring, or buy the capacity needed to serve them.
DOE urges PJM to comply promptly with FERC's order and adopt durable market reforms that support reliable generation and protect American families and businesses.
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Original text here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-supports-fercs-call-pjm-protect-ratepayers-and-build-more-reliable-power
Department of Justice Announces Updates to Emergency Scheduling Actions for 7-OH and Related Opioid Substances
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release:
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Department of Justice Announces Updates to Emergency Scheduling Actions for 7-OH and Related Opioid Substances
October 9, 2026
New actions incorporate updated HHS' science and establish clearer thresholds targeting dangerous, concentrated products
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The Department of Justice today announced updated emergency scheduling actions targeting 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three potent opioid substances related to 7-OH: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), MGM-15, and MGM-16.
"Dangerous and addictive opioids
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release:
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Department of Justice Announces Updates to Emergency Scheduling Actions for 7-OH and Related Opioid Substances
October 9, 2026
New actions incorporate updated HHS' science and establish clearer thresholds targeting dangerous, concentrated products
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The Department of Justice today announced updated emergency scheduling actions targeting 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three potent opioid substances related to 7-OH: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), MGM-15, and MGM-16.
"Dangerous and addictive opioidsdo not belong behind convenience store counters," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Our nation's children and communities deserve protection from harmful substances like 7-OH and other powerful synthetic drugs. The actions taken by the Department of Justice today reflect our commitment to keeping Americans safe and holding drug traffickers accountable."
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing two new Notices of Intent based on new scientific information and recommendations provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The updated HHS analysis supports a revised threshold approach for 7-OH and MGPI designed to distinguish products containing trace amounts of these substances from formulations that have been intentionally enhanced or concentrated.
The two Notices of Intent address:
* MGM-15 and MGM-16: DEA will reissue the Notice of Intent without changing the current scheduling approach for these substances.
* 7-OH and MGPI: DEA will issue a new Notice of Intent incorporating HHS' updated scientific recommendation for concentration and ratio thresholds applicable to both substances.
HHS recommended that 7-OH and MGPI be subject to Schedule I control when either substance alone, or their combined amount when both are present, exceeds 1 milligram per gram in solid products or 1 milligram per milliliter in liquid products, or when the ratio of mitragynine to 7-OH, MGPI, or their combined amount is less than 100 to 1. HHS recommended this approach to better distinguish products intentionally enhanced or concentrated in these opioid substances from products whose alkaloid composition is more consistent with botanical kratom.
The updated HHS analysis confirms that 7-OH occurs naturally in botanical kratom at relatively low levels and identifies additional scientific information suggesting MGPI may also occur at trace levels in some botanical or kratom-derived products. HHS noted that the science concerning the presence of MGPI continues to develop but recommended applying a threshold approach to both 7-OH and MGPI.
DEA temporarily placed MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16 into Schedule I on August 26, 2026. Those controls will remain in effect during the new 30-day Notice of Intent period and until DEA issues a new temporary scheduling order.
For 7-OH, DEA had not yet issued a temporary scheduling order. DEA will reissue a new Notice of Intent reflecting HHS' updated scientific recommendation.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-announces-updates-emergency-scheduling-actions-7-oh-and-related-opioid
DOL Inspector General D'Esposito Announces Historic Fraud Investigation Into University J-1 Visa Programs
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General issued the following news release:
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DOL Inspector General D'Esposito Announces Historic Fraud Investigation into University J-1 Visa Programs
October 9, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony P. D'Esposito this week announced a historic investigation into potential fraud within the J 1 visa programs of nine American universities: Pitt, Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Brown, UC Davis, Caltech, Arizona State University, and MIT. Subpoenas have been served to each of the universities
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General issued the following news release:
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DOL Inspector General D'Esposito Announces Historic Fraud Investigation into University J-1 Visa Programs
October 9, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony P. D'Esposito this week announced a historic investigation into potential fraud within the J 1 visa programs of nine American universities: Pitt, Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Brown, UC Davis, Caltech, Arizona State University, and MIT. Subpoenas have been served to each of the universitiesand investigations are underway.
Inspector General D'Esposito made the announcement Thursday morning at a White House Fraud Task Force event, joined by Vice President J.D. Vance, Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, Attorney General Todd Blanche, White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, and Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission Andrew Ferguson during a White House Fraud Task Force event Thursday morning.
"Subpoenas have been served. Investigations are underway. And nobody gets a free pass because their name is carved into an expensive building. Improperly used J-1 visa classifications to avoid employment obligations, exploit taxpayer-funded programs, and undermine American workers will not be tolerated," said Anthony P. D'Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor.
The investigation will examine alleged misuse and misclassification within J 1 visa programs at institutions that collectively receive billions of dollars in federally supported research funding. Approximately 61 percent of postdoctoral workers and researchers supported by federal grants at the nine universities are foreign nationals, compared to 38 percent at other universities.
"The Chinese Communist Party doesn't need to kick down the doors of America's research laboratories if our own institutions are willing to leave those doors wide open. China is not simply an economic competitor. The Chinese Communist Party is a sophisticated adversary actively targeting American technology, intellectual property, and national security interests," Inspector General D'Esposito added.
Investigators are examining whether visa programs have been used in ways that disadvantage American workers and undermine program requirements.
"I don't care how prestigious a university thinks it is. Break the law and screw Americans, and I will personally cuff you in the university square. I don't care how large your endowment is, how powerful your alumni are, or how many politicians you have on speed dial. Nobody is above the law," said Inspector General D'Esposito.
As part of the announcement, Inspector General D'Esposito also unveiled two major enforcement initiatives: the Visa Fraud Strike Team and the Labor Inspector General Most Wanted List. The Strike Team is a first-of-its-kind, multi-agency enforcement initiative designed to investigate and prosecute visa fraud across the highest risk visa programs. It will focus on H 1B and J 1 visa programs and will include personnel from the Department of Labor, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Homeland Security Investigations, and the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service. The Most Wanted List features 16 fugitives accused of stealing more than $250 million from American workers and taxpayers.
"We're establishing this Visa Fraud Strike Team, bringing together investigative expertise from across government. We will follow the money, uncover the schemes, and work with Attorney General Todd Blanche to prosecute criminals," Inspector General D'Esposito added.
For additional information on DOL OIG, please visit oig.dol.gov. If you suspect wrongdoing involving DOL programs or operations, contact the DOL-OIG Hotline at (800) 347-3756 or oig.dol.gov/hotlinecontact.htm.
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Original text here: https://www.oig.dol.gov/public/Press%20Releases/OIG-Press-Release-100926.htm
