White House blocks Microsoft from foreign worker hiring program

The White House and the US government have halted the processing of any new or pending Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM) applications submitted by Microsoft and seven other major technology firms.

US Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft and its industry peers on Thursday of committing fraud through the utilization of the H1b skilled worker visa program and the associated process that allows overseas workers to secure permanent residency in the United States.

Vance claimed that Microsoft, recognized as one of the most valuable corporations in the US, was effectively substituting American personnel with foreign contract workers. He cited figures indicating that Microsoft had laid off approximately 6,000 employees while simultaneously submitting 6,800 H1b visa applications during the exact same timeframe.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

In response, a Microsoft spokeswoman argued that the vast majority of the company's US workforce consists of American citizens. She noted that 80% of the H1b visa filings submitted over the previous fiscal year pertained to individuals already employed by Microsoft rather than new recruits. The company also maintains that compensation for these international hires matches local pay standards, with immigration processing firm Ellis reporting a median salary of $155,000 for Microsoft H1b workers.