'We should all be worried': Microsoft president says changes to green-cards could hurt US tech
Brad Smith criticizes JD Vance for being "completely off base" and slates the irony that five out of six Trump award holders were immigrants.
Microsoft President Brad Smith has expressed concern over new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration that could harm America's technology industry by limiting access to skilled migrants. Speaking with Politico, Smith criticized the administration's decision to limit Microsoft's ability to sponsor foreign employees for permanent US residency under the green card scheme, warning that it could drive workers to other countries, both depriving America of talented professionals and benefiting other nations.
Smith responded to US Vice President JD Vance's October 8, 2026 memo, which suspended Microsoft and seven other companies from sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency, calling Vance's message misguided and accusing the government of incorrectly handling green card applications. The tech industry faces uncertainty as legal challenges and international worker concerns likely remain on the horizon.
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