On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it has opened investigations into Brown and eight other universities on suspicion of visa fraud and unlawfully benefiting from hiring foreign nationals.
According to Vice President JD Vance, the University has received a subpoena from federal investigators and is under examination for allegedly exploiting the J-1 visa program by bringing foreign researchers to the country at lower wages than American workers earn.
“Something weird is going on at these universities,” Vance said at a Thursday news conference. “They’re using these visas way too much. They’re using them to undercut the wages of American grad students and American researchers, and it simply has to stop.”
University Spokesperson Brian Clark confirmed that Brown has “received a subpoena from the government for various records pertaining to foreign labor programs administered by the U.S. government,” he wrote in an email to The Herald, adding that the University will respond directly to the government.
“Brown’s international scholars, students and employees make essential contributions on our campus, including to teaching and research that advances American innovation, competitiveness and economic vitality,” Clark wrote.
The Department of Labor and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
Roma Shah is a section editor covering University Hall & Higher Education and Admissions & Financial Aid. She's a junior from Morgan Hill, CA studying Neuroscience and International & Public Affairs. In her free time, she can be found doing puzzles, hiking or playing Catan.
