Pitt among nine universities under visa fraud investigation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 20:49 · Archive

The federal government has subpoenaed records from the University of Pittsburgh as part of an investigation Vice President JD Vance says concerns potential immigration visa fraud. Eight other universities are also being investigated: Arizona State, Brown, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Caltech, MIT and UC Davis.

Vance alleged the universities are misusing the J-1 visa program, which permits noncitizens to temporarily work in academic roles. He said these nine institutions use J-1 visas for federally funded grants at a rate of about 61 per cent, compared to a national average of 38 per cent. Vance claimed American graduate students and researchers earn $20,000 more than those on J-1 visas.

Pitt's administration said it is reviewing the subpoena from the Department of Labor and participates in federal visa programmes 'in accordance with all applicable federal requirements'. Miriam Feldblum, co-founder of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, said the investigations reflect a 'fundamental misunderstanding' of the J-1 programme and the role international scholars play in American higher education.

How it is being reported

• Pitt is 1 of 9 universities under investigation for potential visa fraud, JD Vance saysPittsburgh Post-Gazette · 9 Oct, 20:26
• Vance says Pitt under investigation for potential immigration visa fraudThe federal government has subpoenaed records from the University of Pittsburgh in what Vice President JD Vance says is an investigation into potential immigration visa fraud.TribLIVE · 9 Oct, 15:36

In this story: University of Pittsburgh · JD Vance · Harvard · Yale · Stanford · MIT · Caltech · Department of Labor

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