Trump Administration Blocks Green Card Pathway
On Thursday, the Trump administration announced a suspension of green card applications for several major tech companies, including Microsoft and Adobe. This decision was part of an effort to prioritize job opportunities for American workers.
Vice President Vance’s Announcement
“Jobs will not be stolen from American workers any longer,” said Vice President JD Vance as he led the announcement.
Officials emphasized that tech companies utilizing the green card pathway to hire foreign workers for cheaper labor and bypass American workers would face restrictions on the PERM program.
Specific Criticism of Microsoft
Microsoft was highlighted as a key example of this alleged abuse. The company reportedly laid off thousands of employees in the past year. Yet, it continued applying for H-1B visas and subsequent green cards.
Vice President Vance directly addressed Microsoft, stating:
“We want you to thrive in the United States… to invest particularly in the American technology sector… but we want you to employ American workers.”
Vance urged Microsoft to hire more American employees, reiterating the importance of supporting domestic labor.
Other Companies Affected
While Microsoft was a focal point, other significant technology companies faced suspensions as well. U.S. Secretary of Labor Kieth Sonderling announced that IT outsourcing firms such as Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCO, and Capgemini would also be affected.
Due to ongoing federal investigations, Adobe and Microsoft experienced suspension from the program. This means existing green card applications from these companies will not proceed further and no new applications will be accepted.
Newsweek contacted the affected companies for comment Thursday morning.
This story is developing. Further updates are expected.