On September 8, 2026, DOL Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito announced the suspension of permanent labor certification (PERM) filings for IT services giant Cognizant, as well as software firm Cloudera. The enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal crackdown on alleged visa fraud, wage kickbacks, and worker exploitation involving H-1B and PERM employment-based immigration programs.
" The investigation is being conducted alongside the White House Fraud Task Force. While the restriction prevents new filings, the government is also reviewing previously approved PERMs across IT consulting, staffing, and third-party placement agencies. ""
This suspension program may extend to other big employers as well.