{
    "schema": "amendsignal.record/1",
    "generated_on": "2026-11-02",
    "publisher": {
        "name": "AmendSignal",
        "url": "https://amendsignal.com/"
    },
    "notice": "Coverage is limited, so a missing record does not mean nothing changed. General information, not legal advice. Check the official source. Please cite the record's url.",
    "change": {
        "id": 28,
        "url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/president-directs-federal-agencies-to-weigh-employer-layoffs-in-h-1b-visa-decisions-and-review-past/",
        "title": "President directs federal agencies to weigh employer layoffs in H-1B visa decisions and review past filings",
        "change_type": "executive_action",
        "change_type_label": "Executive order",
        "status": "issued",
        "status_label": "Signed by the President",
        "status_statement": "As of our last check on November 2, 2026, this has been signed by the President. It may need agency action before it affects employers.",
        "significance": "No new requirements",
        "jurisdiction": {
            "code": "US",
            "name": "United States"
        },
        "authority": {
            "name": "Executive Office of the President",
            "short_name": "EOP"
        },
        "identifiers": [
            {
                "type": "fr_document_number",
                "label": "FR document",
                "value": "2026-19555"
            },
            {
                "type": "fr_citation",
                "label": "Citation",
                "value": "91 FR 60501"
            },
            {
                "type": "executive_order_number",
                "label": "Executive order",
                "value": "EO 14431"
            }
        ],
        "dates": [
            {
                "type": "signed",
                "label": "Signed",
                "value": "2026-09-18",
                "precision": "day"
            },
            {
                "type": "publication",
                "label": "Published",
                "value": "2026-09-23",
                "precision": "day"
            }
        ],
        "in_short": {
            "what_changed": "Executive Order 14431, signed September 18, 2026, directs the Secretaries of State, Labor and Homeland Security to consider an H-1B employer sponsor's recent or planned layoffs that negatively affect similarly situated United States workers. It also directs the Department of Labor to begin reviewing data on past labor condition applications within 30 days of the order.",
            "whos_affected": "No employer is bound directly. The agency actions it directs concern employers that sponsor or plan to sponsor H-1B workers, and the order singles out third-party placement groups, outsourcing firms and technology sector employers.",
            "what_to_do": "This order creates no employer obligation yet. Watch for rules or guidance from the agencies it names, and consider how layoffs in the past year or planned layoffs could weigh on upcoming H-1B filings."
        },
        "summary": "Executive Order 14431, signed September 18, 2026, directs the Secretaries of State, Labor and Homeland Security to consider whether an employer sponsoring H-1B workers had layoffs in the previous year, or plans layoffs, that negatively affect similarly situated United States workers. It also directs the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division to begin reviewing data on previously submitted labor condition applications within 30 days. The order directs federal agencies and creates no employer obligation on its own.",
        "business_functions": {
            "state": "limited",
            "functions": [
                {
                    "slug": "human-resources",
                    "name": "Human resources"
                },
                {
                    "slug": "legal-and-compliance",
                    "name": "Legal and compliance"
                }
            ]
        },
        "added_on": "2026-11-02",
        "updated_on": null,
        "updates_in_progress": null,
        "last_checked": "2026-11-02",
        "record_url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/president-directs-federal-agencies-to-weigh-employer-layoffs-in-h-1b-visa-decisions-and-review-past/record.json",
        "what_changed": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "When processing H-1B petitions, labor condition applications and visas, the Secretaries of State, Labor and Homeland Security must coordinate and consult with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Education and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 2",
                        "excerpt": "When processing petitions, labor condition applications, and visas"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 2",
                        "excerpt": "the Secretary of Homeland Security shall coordinate and consult with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Education, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "In any H-1B labor condition application, petition, visa or entry, the three Secretaries are directed to take into account whether the employer sponsor directly or indirectly engaged in layoffs within the previous year, or plans future layoffs, that negatively affect similarly situated United States workers.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(a)",
                        "excerpt": "the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take into account"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(a)",
                        "excerpt": "whether the employer sponsor directly or indirectly engaged in layoffs within the previous year or plans future layoffs that negatively affect the employment of similarly situated United States workers."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Within 30 days of the order, the Secretary of Labor, through the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, is to begin reviewing data on previously submitted labor condition applications to decide whether further action against sponsoring employers is warranted.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(b)",
                        "excerpt": "Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Labor, through the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, shall begin reviewing data related to previously submitted labor condition applications"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(b)",
                        "excerpt": "to determine whether further action against sponsoring employers is warranted under section 212(n)(2)(G)."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The order delegates presidential authority to the Secretaries of State, Commerce, Labor and Homeland Security to the extent needed to carry it out, including authority to issue or adopt rules and guidance.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(c)",
                        "excerpt": "including the authority to issue or adopt rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance to carry out this order."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The order states that it creates no right or benefit enforceable by any party, and that it is to be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to available funding.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 4(c)",
                        "excerpt": "This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 4(b)",
                        "excerpt": "This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "who_is_affected": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The order's directions run to federal agency heads: the Secretaries of State, Labor, Homeland Security, Commerce and Education, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 2",
                        "excerpt": "the Secretary of Homeland Security shall coordinate and consult with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Education, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Employers that sponsor H-1B workers are the ones whose filings the agencies would weigh against layoff history, since the order ties the review to the \"employer sponsor\".",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(a)",
                        "excerpt": "whether the employer sponsor directly or indirectly engaged in layoffs within the previous year or plans future layoffs that negatively affect the employment of similarly situated United States workers."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Employers that have already filed labor condition applications may see their past filings included in the Department of Labor's data review.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(b)",
                        "excerpt": "shall begin reviewing data related to previously submitted labor condition applications"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "The order's stated concerns focus on third-party placement groups, outsourcing firms and technology sector employers, which suggests these groups may draw the most attention.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 1",
                        "excerpt": "widely abused by certain employers, third-party placement groups, and outsourcing firms"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 1",
                        "excerpt": "technology sector employers have collectively requested H-1B visas for hundreds of thousands of workers"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "business_implications": [
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Layoffs in the previous year, or planned layoffs, that affect United States workers in similar roles could count against an employer's H-1B labor condition applications, petitions or visas.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(a)",
                        "excerpt": "whether the employer sponsor directly or indirectly engaged in layoffs within the previous year or plans future layoffs that negatively affect the employment of similarly situated United States workers."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Past labor condition application filings could lead to further Department of Labor action against sponsoring employers, though the order does not describe what that action would be.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(b)",
                        "excerpt": "to determine whether further action against sponsoring employers is warranted under section 212(n)(2)(G)."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Agencies may issue new rules or guidance to carry out the order, which could later create specific requirements for H-1B sponsors.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(c)",
                        "excerpt": "including the authority to issue or adopt rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance to carry out this order."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "required_actions": [],
        "recommended_actions": [
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider reviewing layoffs from the past year and any planned layoffs that affect United States workers in roles similar to positions you plan to fill with H-1B workers, before filing new labor condition applications or petitions.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(a)",
                        "excerpt": "whether the employer sponsor directly or indirectly engaged in layoffs within the previous year or plans future layoffs that negatively affect the employment of similarly situated United States workers."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider checking that records supporting previously submitted labor condition applications are complete and easy to find, since the Department of Labor is reviewing that data.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(b)",
                        "excerpt": "shall begin reviewing data related to previously submitted labor condition applications"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider monitoring for rules or guidance from the Departments of State, Commerce, Labor and Homeland Security that carry out this order.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(c)",
                        "excerpt": "including the authority to issue or adopt rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance to carry out this order."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "required_actions_assessment": {
            "state": "assessed",
            "text": "This executive order directs federal agencies and creates no employer obligation yet. Watch for the Department of Labor's review of past labor condition application data, how the Departments of State, Labor and Homeland Security apply layoff history in H-1B decisions, and any rules or guidance the agencies issue under the authority the order delegates."
        },
        "applicability": [
            {
                "criterion": "where",
                "label": "Where",
                "answer": "United States, nationwide",
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "evidence": []
            },
            {
                "criterion": "employer_type",
                "label": "Employers",
                "answer": "The order reaches no employer directly; the agency actions it directs concern employers that sponsor H-1B workers.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(a)",
                        "excerpt": "the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take into account"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "size",
                "label": "Size",
                "answer": "The order sets no size threshold; it refers to employer sponsors generally.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(a)",
                        "excerpt": "whether the employer sponsor directly or indirectly engaged in layoffs within the previous year"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "industries",
                "label": "Industries",
                "answer": "Any industry that sponsors H-1B workers, with the order pointing to technology employers and outsourcing and placement firms.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 1",
                        "excerpt": "technology sector employers have collectively requested H-1B visas for hundreds of thousands of workers"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 1",
                        "excerpt": "widely abused by certain employers, third-party placement groups, and outsourcing firms"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "functions",
                "label": "Functions",
                "answer": "Human resources and legal and compliance teams that handle H-1B filings and workforce reductions.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 2",
                        "excerpt": "When processing petitions, labor condition applications, and visas"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "applies_if",
                "label": "Applies if",
                "answer": "You sponsor or plan to sponsor H-1B workers, especially if you had layoffs in the past year or plan layoffs affecting similar United States workers.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(a)",
                        "excerpt": "whether the employer sponsor directly or indirectly engaged in layoffs within the previous year or plans future layoffs that negatively affect the employment of similarly situated United States workers."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "action",
                "label": "Action",
                "answer": "Nothing required now; watch for agency rules and review layoff history before H-1B filings.",
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                        "locator": "Sec. 3(c)",
                        "excerpt": "including the authority to issue or adopt rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance to carry out this order."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "open_questions": [
            {
                "question": "From what date will the agencies start weighing an employer's layoffs in H-1B decisions?",
                "context": "Section 3(a) gives no start date, and the order states no effective date."
            },
            {
                "question": "What counts as an employer \"indirectly\" engaging in layoffs, and who are \"similarly situated\" United States workers?",
                "context": "The order uses these terms without defining them."
            },
            {
                "question": "Does \"within the previous year\" mean the 12 months before a filing or the prior calendar year?",
                "context": "The order does not say how the period is measured."
            },
            {
                "question": "What further action could the Department of Labor take against sponsoring employers after reviewing past labor condition application data?",
                "context": "The order cites section 212(n)(2)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act but does not describe the possible actions."
            }
        ],
        "events": [
            {
                "event_type": "originating_action",
                "label": "Issued",
                "occurred_on": "2026-09-23",
                "summary": "Enhancing Program Integrity and Interagency Coordination in the Administration of the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program",
                "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b"
            }
        ],
        "corrections": [],
        "sources": [
            {
                "label": "Enhancing Program Integrity and Interagency Coordination in the Administration of the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program, 91 FR 60501 (September 23, 2026)",
                "publisher": "Federal Register",
                "role": "primary",
                "url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19555/enhancing-program-integrity-and-interagency-coordination-in-the-administration-of-the-h-1b",
                "pdf_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-23/pdf/2026-19555.pdf"
            }
        ]
    }
}