Microsoft Suspended From US Labor Certification Program Amid Immigration Crackdown
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has been suspended from the US Permanent Labour Certification Program as part of a wider federal immigration crackdown. The suspension halts the processing of new and pending permanent residency applications for the company. The action was taken alongside suspensions of several major IT outsourcing firms due to active federal investigations.
The government accused Microsoft of laying off 6,000 American workers last year while simultaneously utilizing 6,300 H-1B visas and nearly 3,000 green cards. In response, Microsoft defended its hiring practices, stating that the vast majority of its US workforce consists of Americans. The company clarified that 80% of its approximately 6,000 H-1B applications in the last fiscal year were for extending the status of existing employees rather than hiring new arrivals.
The suspension occurred on the same day President Donald Trump awarded Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella the National Medal of Technology and Innovation at the White House. Investors and tech firms are watching the situation closely as the administration also targets university student visa programs and proposes substantial new fees for student work permits, signaling a broader tightening of the foreign talent pipeline.
Key points
- Microsoft was suspended from the US Permanent Labour Certification Program amid federal investigations into visa use.
- The US government accused Microsoft of laying off 6,000 American workers while securing thousands of H-1B visas and green cards.
- Microsoft defended its practices, stating that 80% of its H-1B filings were for extending the status of existing employees.
- The suspension was announced on the same day Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
Why was Microsoft suspended from the Permanent Labour Certification Program?
The suspension was enacted due to multiple active federal investigations, with officials accusing the company of laying off American workers while utilizing foreign visas.
How did Microsoft respond to the immigration allegations?
Microsoft stated the majority of its US staff are Americans and that 80% of its recent H-1B applications were to extend status for existing employees, not hire new people.