Explainer-The skilled foreign tech workers’ green card program under attack from Trump

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 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.

The US suspended eight IT firms, including Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, and Microsoft, from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme. The suspension, announced by Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling, affects new and pending applications for hiring foreign workers. The move impacts companies' ability to sponsor foreign employees for green cards, citing concerns over American job displacement.