Trump administration bans Microsoft from worker visa program

The US government under President Donald Trump has suspended several technology companies, including Microsoft, from an immigration program that allows employers to hire foreign workers to reside permanently in the United States, as reported by Reuters.

During a press conference, US Vice President JD Vance claimed that the permanent labor certification program—meant to be utilized only when there is a shortage of qualified US workers—has become rife with fraud over the past several years. He asserted that no company has abused the system more than Microsoft, delivering a clear message that while they are a great American company, they must hire American workers.

Alongside Microsoft, the administration has also suspended companies such as Adobe, Cognizant, and Infosys. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling stated that Microsoft and Adobe had requested nearly 3 million foreign workers, received over 230,000 H-1B visa approvals, and secured more than 100,000 permanent labor certifications.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Vance additionally noted that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American workers last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visas and nearly 3,000 green cards.