The federal government has barred Microsoft and several other prominent technology firms from sponsoring skilled foreign workers for green cards. During a Fraud Task Force press conference, Vice President JD Vance announced the suspension, specifically targeting Microsoft's use of the Permanent Labor Certification Program, known as PERM. Vance accused the company of circumventing local hiring by placing job advertisements in obscure small-town newspapers before claiming local talent could not be found.
Under standard federal guidelines, companies utilizing the PERM process must demonstrate an inability to find qualified U.S. workers before beginning the green card sponsorship process for current H-1B visa holders. While administration officials framed the restriction as a defense of domestic labor, immigration experts note that green cards ultimately grant permanent residency, allowing workers to change jobs and negotiate wages independently of their employers. Data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services indicates Microsoft remains among the leading filers for these certifications within the technology sector.
Other major IT firms, including Adobe, Cognizant, and Infosys, are reportedly subject to the same regulatory decision. In response to the announcement, a Microsoft spokesperson pointed to a corporate blog post emphasizing that the vast majority of their H-1B filings are used to extend the status of existing employees rather than onboard new arrivals. The announcement notably coincided with an event where President Donald Trump presented Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, along with other prominent tech industry leaders, with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
Comments