US freezes Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys green-card applications over alleged fraud

On October 8, the Trump administration suspended green-card applications from Microsoft, Adobe, and several major IT outsourcing companies, including Infosys, Cognizant, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Capgemini, alleging fraud. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling stated that the freeze would also apply to H-1B visa holders, though it would not impact current holders.

Vice President JD Vance expressed concerns about Microsoft's hiring practices, urging the company to hire American workers. Additionally, the administration opened investigations into nine elite universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, for alleged misuse of exchange-visitor visas to undercut American wages. The freeze does not directly affect current H-1B visa holders, but it could hinder a common pathway for foreign tech workers to obtain permanent residency. Both Microsoft and Tata Consultancy Services declined to comment on the allegations.