Trump Administration Suspends Microsoft from Permanent Worker Visa Program, Citing Abuse
The Trump administration has moved to suspend Microsoft and other technology companies from a key immigration program that allows employers to bring foreign workers to the US on a permanent basis.
Vice President JD Vance announced the action at a press conference, characterizing the permanent labor certification program as having become "rife" with fraud over the past several years. The program, known as PERM, is designed to let employers hire foreign workers when there are insufficient qualified US workers available for a position.
Vance singled out Microsoft as the company that has "abused" the system more than any other. "Our message to Microsoft is: you're a great American company, but you've got to hire great American workers," Vance said.
The administration did not immediately detail what specific evidence of fraud or abuse it has identified, nor did it specify how long the suspension would last or what conditions would need to be met for the companies to regain access to the program.
The PERM labor certification is a foundational step for employers seeking to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent residence in the United States, commonly known as green cards. It requires employers to demonstrate that there are no qualified US workers willing or able to fill the position in question.