Trump Administration Cuts Off Access to a Major Immigration Program for Workers at Microsoft and Adobe

The Trump administration has suspended access to a significant immigration program for workers at major tech companies like Microsoft and Adobe. The program, known as PERM, is a crucial step for H-1B visa holders to gain permanent residency, requiring employers to prove there are no suitable American workers for the position. The Labor Department is investigating these companies for potential fraud in hiring foreign employees over American workers.

Vice President JD Vance criticized Microsoft, stating that it has abused the system more than any other company. Microsoft responded, asserting that it adheres to the visa category's standards, focusing on strengthening the country's talent pipeline and hiring American workers. The suspension signifies a win for tech workers who have complained about being replaced by immigrant workers.

Jobs Now, a coalition of US citizens in big tech, applauded the announcement on social media, emphasizing their advocacy for American workers in tech jobs. This isn't the first time tech companies face scrutiny over the PERM program; OpenAI and its acquired company settled accusations of violating its rules earlier this year, and Apple also settled in 2023.

The administration's criticism of H-1B visas has caused anxiety in Silicon Valley since Trump's reelection, with tech companies being its largest users. Microsoft is the fifth-largest employer with approved visas in fiscal year 2026, with 3,688 visas granted. The remaining H-1B filings are for individuals already legally in the US who decided to work for the company, comprising only 1% of the US workforce. It remains unclear if the suspension will affect employees' ability to apply for H-1B visas.