US suspends Microsoft from green card programme, Vance says 'need to put Americans first'

The United States government has announced the suspension of Microsoft, Adobe, and several major IT firms from a green card program designed for skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residency. The decision comes after allegations of fraud and as part of a broader effort to encourage companies to hire more American workers. US Vice President JD Vance stated, "Our message to Microsoft is: You’re a great American company, but you’ve got to hire great American workers."

Additionally, Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling revealed that other prominent IT companies, such as Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini, would also be suspended from the program.

Under the PERM process, employers must obtain certification from the Department of Labor, demonstrating that there is no qualified, willing, or available American worker for a specific job before filing petitions for most employment-based green cards. Microsoft has not yet commented on the suspension. Furthermore, the government has announced that nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, will be investigated for allegedly recruiting international students to undercut American wages.

Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito stated that subpoenas have already been served, and the investigation will focus on potential foreign influence, improper financial relationships, or visa abuse compromising federally funded research. D’Esposito emphasized that if American universities engage in such behavior to save $1 while exposing research to a foreign adversary, it is not considered academic excellence but rather institutional betrayal.