Vice President Vance on Thursday announced a federal investigation into nine universities over their use of the J-1 visa program, which permits foreign scholars and researchers to study or work in the United States. Speaking at a press conference focused on fraud and abuse in work visa programs, Vance accused elite institutions of exploiting the visas to depress wages for American graduate students and researchers.
“Elite universities bring in foreigners to undercut the wages of American residents,” Vance said. “There are nine universities in particular we believe merit an investigation.” The institutions named include Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown, the University of Pittsburgh, Arizona State University, MIT, Caltech, and UC Davis.
Vance cited data showing that American workers in graduate and research roles earn roughly $20,000 more than their J-1 visa counterparts. He also claimed that these universities use J-1 visas for federally funded grants at a rate of 61 percent, compared with a national average of 38 percent. “Something weird is going on at these universities,” he added. “They are using these visas way too much. They are using them to undercut the wages of American grad students and American researchers, and it simply has to stop.”
Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, appearing alongside Vance, confirmed that “subpoenas have been served” and that “investigations are underway.” He framed the probe as a matter of national integrity, warning that universities breaking the law to save money while exposing research to foreign adversaries—particularly China—amounts to “institutional betrayal.”
The announcement is the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on foreign student programs and university practices. The administration has previously targeted H-1B visa fraud and has taken steps to limit foreign influence on campus. The White House has not yet commented on the specifics of the J-1 probe.
The nine universities have not yet responded to requests for comment. Legal experts note that J-1 visas are designed for educational and cultural exchange, but critics argue they have been used to fill research positions at lower wages.
The investigation could have significant implications for academic institutions that rely heavily on international talent. It also signals a more aggressive posture by the administration toward elite universities, which have been frequent targets of conservative criticism over admissions, diversity policies, and foreign ties.
As the probe unfolds, lawmakers and higher-education advocates are watching closely. Some argue that the administration’s actions could deter top international researchers from coming to the U.S., potentially harming American competitiveness. Others, however, support the crackdown, viewing it as necessary to protect American workers and national security.
Vance’s remarks come amid a broader political push to appeal to working-class voters, a theme he has championed in recent months. His stance on visa programs is likely to resonate with those who feel that immigration policies have favored wealthy institutions over ordinary Americans.
The Labor Department’s investigation is expected to examine whether universities have violated wage and labor laws in their use of J-1 visas. If violations are found, institutions could face penalties or be required to change their hiring practices.
For now, the nine universities are under scrutiny, and the administration shows no signs of backing down. As Vance put it, “It simply has to stop.”
