White House bars Microsoft from sponsoring green card applications as JD Vance accuses it of fraud
The White House has barred Microsoft Corp. from further participation in a federal program that enables U.S. companies to apply for green cards for employees holding H-1B visas after accusing it of abusing the system to replace American workers with cheaper foreign workers.

The White House has suspended Microsoft from the PERM program, accusing it of misusing the H-1B visa system to replace American workers with foreign labor.
What happened
The White House suspended Microsoft from the PERM program, accusing it of abusing the H-1B visa system to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. Microsoft denied the allegations, stating that most of its H-1B visa applications involved existing employees and that foreign workers were paid the same as American workers.
Why it matters
The issue highlights concerns about the H-1B visa program's potential misuse, impacting employment opportunities for American workers and the tech industry's reliance on foreign talent.
- The H-1B visa program is under increased scrutiny for potential misuse.
- Tech companies must balance hiring foreign talent with concerns about displacing American workers.
- Government actions can significantly impact corporate visa and employment strategies.
The bigger picture
The suspension may affect Microsoft's ability to hire foreign workers and could lead to increased scrutiny of tech companies' visa practices, influencing industry policies and employment strategies.
The White House's suspension of Microsoft from the PERM program underscores ongoing debates about the H-1B visa system and its implications for American workers and the tech industry.
Technical details
- H-1B visas: Non-immigrant visas for temporary work in the U.S., typically for advanced skill sets.
- PERM program: A federal program requiring employers to prove they couldn't find U.S. workers before sponsoring a green card for a foreign employee.
FAQ
What is the H-1B visa program?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise.
What is the PERM program?
The PERM program is a federal initiative that requires U.S. employers to demonstrate they couldn't find qualified American workers before sponsoring a foreign national for a green card.
Why was Microsoft suspended from the PERM program?
Microsoft was suspended for allegedly misusing the H-1B visa system to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor, according to the White House and Vice President JD Vance.
This summary and analysis were generated with AI from the original article and may contain errors. Read the original for the full story.
Read the full story
Originally published by SiliconANGLE on Oct 9, 2026.
Comments
Sign in to join the discussion.