US freezes Microsoft green card program; Vance: 'You've got to hire American workers'

The Trump administration suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and other tech companies from the PERM program, a key step for H-1B visa holders seeking green cards. The Labor Department is investigating alleged fraud, claiming these companies undercut American workers. Microsoft denied wrongdoing, stating it hires American workers and attracts global talent. The suspension follows similar actions against OpenAI and Apple. Microsoft had 3,688 H-1B visas approved in 2026, with 80% for existing employees.

The US Labor Department suspended eight tech firms, including Microsoft, Adobe, and Infosys, from the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program, halting new and pending green card applications. The administration claims these companies sought nearly 3 million foreign workers since 2009. Microsoft denies disadvantaging American workers, stating it pays H-1B employees comparably. The suspension may disrupt permanent residency paths for tech workers.

The Trump Administration suspended Microsoft and other tech companies from seeking permanent residence for H-1B visa holders. Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of laying off 6,000 American workers while seeking residency for 6,300 foreign workers, alleging misuse of the visa program. The announcement coincided with President Trump's scheduled award of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

The US has suspended Microsoft, Infosys, Wipro, and others from a green card labor program, citing alleged fraud and a push to prioritize American workers. US officials stated the companies must hire more American workers. The suspension affects the PERM process, required for most employment-based green cards. Additionally, nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, are under investigation for alleged visa abuse.

The US government has suspended several tech and IT firms, including Microsoft, Cognizant, and Capgemini, from the PERM green card program, citing alleged fraud. The suspension targets the PERM process, which allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. The move is part of the Trump administration's crackdown on skilled foreign labor, aiming to protect US jobs.

The White House barred Microsoft and seven other tech firms from hiring skilled international workers permanently via the H1B visa program, accusing them of fraud. According to Vice President JD Vance, Microsoft has replaced American workers with foreign labor. Microsoft denies these claims, stating most of its U.S. employees are American and H1B workers are paid equally. The company employs over 200,000 people globally.