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

The Trump administration has frozen green-card applications from major US tech firms, including Microsoft, Adobe, and Infosys, amid allegations of violating immigration laws. The move also involves a probe into nine prominent universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, for allegedly bringing in international students to drive down American wages.

Secretary of Labour Keith Sondlerling announced that the Labor Department would suspend new or pending permanent labor certification applications involving the listed companies, effectively blocking a common route for foreign tech workers seeking permanent residency. However, the freeze does not directly impact current H-1B visa holders, although it could hinder the path to permanent residency for those sponsored by these firms.

The administration's actions come amid a broader crackdown on skilled-worker immigration programs, targeting fraud and potential job losses for Americans. Despite cultivating closer ties with the same tech leaders, the administration maintains that these companies have abused the system.