Trump administration suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card program
Microsoft suspended from US green card program
The Trump administration is suspending Microsoft from a program to apply for green cards, accusing the company of fraud.
The Trump administration suspended Microsoft, Adobe and several technology outsourcing firms from participating in a federal green card sponsorship program Thursday following allegations of fraud.
H-1B visa program under fire
What we know:
The federal government blocked Microsoft, Adobe and several IT outsourcing companies from applying for permanent residency green cards on behalf of their foreign workers. The administration cited widespread fraud in the system, which caters to individuals residing and working in the country under temporary H-1B visas.
US Vice President JD Vance speaks alongside (L-R) White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, US Attorney General Todd Blanche, US Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, Inspector General of the US Department of Labor A (Photo by Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking at a White House news conference Thursday morning, Vice President JD Vance said he would support eliminating the H-1B visa program altogether. Vance alleged that major technology firms are terminating American workers and replacing them with foreign workers under the visa system.
What they're saying:
"The H-1B visa program is meant to allow companies to bring in really the best of the best from outside the United States of America for positions that are completely impossible to fill with American workers," said Vance. "Unfortunately, the program has become rife with fraud over the last several years, probably the last several decades."
What we don't know:
Federal officials have not yet detailed the specific timeline or administrative mechanics for how long the suspension will remain in place.
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 13: A signage of Microsoft is seen on March 13, 2020 in New York City. Co-founder and former CEO of Microsoft Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft board to spend more time on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. (Photo by Jeena
How the Microsoft green card program suspension might impact WA
Local perspective:
U.S. tech companies are among the largest users of H-1B visas. Because Microsoft maintains its global headquarters in Redmond, Washington, any permanent legislative changes or administrative freezes to the H-1B visa and permanent residency process could heavily impact thousands of tech workers and the broader regional economy.
Seattle technology hub in limbo as federal rules threaten visa hiring pipeline
Seattle’s tech industry is fueled by talent from across the globe, as one of the country's largest centers for H-1B hires, upcoming federal changes could reshape the region’s economy.
What's next:
Microsoft has not yet issued a public statement responding to the suspension or the vice president's remarks.
The Source: Information in this story is based on official statements delivered by Vice President JD Vance during a White House news conference on Thursday morning.
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