The Department of Justice and the State Department have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) where they have agreed to share information to protect American workers from discrimination and target employers who commit visa fraud or misuse their visas.

Under the MOU agreement the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and the State Dept.’s Bureau of Consular Affairs will share information specifically about employers who may be unlawfully discriminating against American workers in favor of foreign workers or are misusing their employment-based visas including, H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B visas. The agencies will also provide technical assistance and training to each other to encourage case referrals and collaboration.

“Employers that discriminate against qualified U.S. workers by favoring foreign visa workers will be held accountable,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “Today’s agreement reflects the Civil Rights Division’s commitment to use all available tools, including collaboration with other federal agencies, to protect U.S. workers from discrimination. The Division welcomes the Department of State as a partner in this effort.”

“The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is pleased to have joined forces with the Department of Justice to protect U.S. workers, combat fraud, and facilitate legitimate international travel,” said Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Carl C. Risch.

Read the full DOJ press release here.