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U.S. Suspends Microsoft, Adobe, and IT Giants From Green Card Program

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The U.S. government suspended several major technology companies from the Permanent Labor Certification program, which allows firms to apply for green cards for their H-1B visa employees. Authorities cited alleged abuse of the visa system for the decision. Affected companies include Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE), Infosys Limited (NYSE:INFY), Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:CTSH), and Wipro Limited (NYSE:WIT). Existing H-1B work authorizations remain active.

The restriction creates immediate operational challenges by cutting off a primary pathway to U.S. permanent residency. While major technology firms can absorb initial processing costs and relocate some roles to international hubs like Canada or India, the move is expected to increase recruitment and retention expenses. Margins could face tighter pressure across IT consulting firms, though the overall financial impact is expected to be a manageable near-term headwind rather than a structural threat.

Investors should monitor potential long-term risks to innovation and shifts in corporate hiring strategies, particularly as remote work allows businesses to recruit skilled labor overseas. Market participants will also be watching whether regulatory enforcement leads to targeted, company-specific reviews or further restrictions on foreign talent mobility.

Key points

  • The U.S. suspended Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys, Cognizant, and Wipro from applying for green cards for H-1B employees over alleged system abuse.
  • The suspension affects the Permanent Labor Certification program but leaves existing H-1B work authorizations active.
  • Tech firms face higher recruitment and retention costs, with potential margin sensitivity for IT service providers.
  • Companies may shift hiring and research operations to overseas offices in locations such as Canada or India.

Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web. It can contain mistakes: check the facts before acting on them. Write-ups powered by the free AI API at FreeTheAI.org

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Questions and answers

Why were tech companies suspended from the U.S. green card program?

U.S. authorities suspended several major tech companies after alleging that they were abusing the immigration program used to apply for green cards for H-1B visa employees.

Which companies are affected by the green card suspension?

The suspension directly impacts Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys, Cognizant, and Wipro.

Does the green card freeze cancel existing H-1B work visas?

No, the suspension applies specifically to the Permanent Labor Certification program for permanent residency and does not cancel existing H-1B work authorizations.