Story perspectives

Trump Admin Tightens PERM Green Card Rules, DOJ Sues Firm

7/9/2026

Center

Trump Tightens PERM

President Donald Trump's administration is preparing regulatory changes to tighten the PERM process for employer-sponsored green cards.
The Department of Labor announced a plan to modernize the PERM labor certification system.
The proposed rule would strengthen recruitment documentation and expand protections for U.S. workers during layoffs.
The Department of Justice sued a firm for PERM recruitment fraud, suspending it 180 days.

Right

Vance Launches Visa Probe

Vice President JD Vance and Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito launched a probe into visa abuses about cartel and violent crime.
The Department of Labor announced a plan to modernize the PERM labor certification system.
The probe claims visa schemes stole hundreds of millions of dollars from the medical sector.
Investigators will also examine employment-based green card holders for similar fraud.

History

Historical Context

President Ronald Reagan’s 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act forced employers to use I-9 verification and legalized three million undocumented workers. Its sanctions produced billions in penalties, leading to tighter rules such as the 1996 IIRAIRA. Now the Department of Labor and Justice are tightening PERM certification while Vice President J.D. Vance and Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito investigate visa fraud, recalling the 1986 enforcement drive.

1 of 3

Trump Tightens PERM

President Donald Trump's administration is preparing regulatory changes to tighten the PERM process for employer-sponsored green cards.
The Department of Labor announced a plan to modernize the PERM labor certification system.
The proposed rule would strengthen recruitment documentation and expand protections for U.S. workers during layoffs.
The Department of Justice sued a firm for PERM recruitment fraud, suspending it 180 days.

1 / 3