White House orders tighter interagency review of H-1B filings

The White House issued a Sept. 18, 2026 executive order on H-1B program integrity and interagency coordination. Plain English: the order directs the Departments of State, Labor and Homeland Security to coordinate with Commerce, Education and the Small Business Administration when processing H-1B-related petitions, labor condition applications, visas and entry matters. The order also says agencies should take into account whether the employer sponsor directly or indirectly had layoffs within the previous year or plans future layoffs that negatively affect similarly situated U.S. workers. Separately, it directs the Department of Labor to begin reviewing data from previously submitted labor condition applications within 30 days to determine whether further action against sponsoring employers is warranted. This is an executive order and implementation may depend on agency rules, guidance and applicable law. General information, not legal advice. Employers and workers should read official agency instructions and consult qualified counsel for case-specific questions.