Trump administration suspends Microsoft green card applications alleging visa system abuse

Vice President JD Vance announced on Thursday that the United States government is suspending Microsoft from an employer-based program that permits foreign workers with H-1B visas to apply for permanent residency. ABC News, The Hill, The Guardian, and The Independent all reported that foreign workers at the technology company will no longer be able to seek permanent status through the program after Vance accused Microsoft of abusing the visa process. WHEC.com, New York Daily News, and AP News also reported that the Trump administration suspended the company over allegations of fraud. [1][3][4][5][7][9][10]

The suspension applies to foreign workers holding skilled H-1B visas seeking green cards. According to Fortune, the Trump administration stated that the applications were not intended for hiring new staff. Reuters reported that the administration has frozen green cards for Microsoft alongside other information technology companies and has initiated inquiries into universities. [1][2][8]

Hours after Vance announced the enforcement action at a news conference, President Donald Trump honored technology executives, including Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, at a White House ceremony. ABC News and The Independent reported that Trump praised the business leaders for their contributions to the country. ABC News noted that five of the six business leaders recognized during the ceremony are immigrants. [1][10]

Satya Nadella is an Indian-American business executive who became chief executive officer of Microsoft in 2014 and chairman in 2021. Donald Trump and JD Vance assumed office following the United States presidential election held on November 5, 2024. [12][13]