The Trump administration launched investigations Thursday into nine major American universities over alleged misuse of the federal J-1 visa program, widening its efforts to examine whether institutions are using foreign workers in ways that disadvantage American employees.

The universities under investigation are Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, Brown University, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of California, Davis, the California Institute of Technology, Arizona State University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Vice President JD Vance accused universities of exploiting visa programs to bring in foreign students and researchers at the expense of American workers, raising concerns about whether the institutions are complying with federal labor requirements.

Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito said subpoenas had already been served. Investigators will examine potential visa abuse, foreign influence, and improper financial relationships involving federally funded research.

The J-1 visa program allows eligible foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for approved exchange activities, including academic research, teaching and other educational programs. The investigation will examine whether participating institutions have improperly used the program or violated applicable federal requirements.

The university investigations are part of a broader administration crackdown on alleged foreign-worker visa abuses that also swept up Microsoft and major technology and outsourcing companies Thursday.

The move adds another front to President Donald Trump's campaign to scrutinize higher education, following disputes over federal research funding, campus antisemitism, diversity policies and foreign influence at American universities.

Harvard has been a prominent target of the administration's efforts. The federal government has sought to cut billions of dollars in research funding and attempted to block the university from enrolling international students. Harvard has challenged the administration's actions in court.

In March 2025, the administration also canceled approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts with Columbia University, citing concerns about the school's response to antisemitism and harassment on campus. Columbia subsequently settled with the government, agreeing to pay more than $200 million and implement policy changes. Brown University also reached an agreement with the administration.

Federal scrutiny has extended to foreign money flowing into universities and admissions practices. The Education Department has investigated institutions over disclosures of foreign gifts and contracts, while the Justice Department has examined admissions policies at universities, including Duke, over allegations of racial discrimination.

The new investigations shift additional attention toward how universities use foreign exchange and employment-related visa programs, particularly in research settings supported by federal funding.

Administration officials argue that institutions receiving federal support must follow immigration and labor rules and ensure that programs intended to facilitate international academic exchange are not used to disadvantage American workers.

The allegations against the nine universities have not been established as violations, and the investigations will determine whether the institutions improperly used the J-1 program or engaged in other conduct covered by the subpoenas.