Archive · 8 Oct 2026
US Suspends Microsoft From Green Card Program Over Alleged Fraud
The US government says Microsoft misused a program for hiring foreign workers and has suspended the company from it.
Vice President JD Vance said companies should first try to find American workers for jobs.
He pointed to Microsoft's layoffs and its use of work visas and green cards.
Vance says foreign workers on H-1B visas can be in a difficult position if they lose their jobs.
Microsoft had not responded to a request for comment.
The administration also criticized some universities' use of exchange visas.
It proposed that schools pay a $70,000 fee for each international student using a work program called OPT.
These claims and proposals are part of a wider administration effort to scrutinize programs involving foreign workers and students.
The Trump administration suspended Microsoft from a green-card labor certification program, alleging the company abused it; Microsoft had not immediately commented.
Vice President JD Vance said companies must advertise jobs before seeking green cards for foreign workers, and alleged Microsoft used the process more than any other US company.
Vance cited figures of 6,000 US workers laid off, 6,300 H-1B visas obtained and nearly 3,000 green cards obtained by Microsoft last year.
Vance argued that H-1B workers can be vulnerable to exploitation because losing their jobs may require them to leave the country, and claimed they earn less than comparable American workers.
The administration also criticized universities' use of J-1 visas and proposed a $70,000 fee for schools for each international student participating in Optional Practical Training.
- Who
- The Trump administration, Vice President JD Vance and Microsoft.
- What
- The administration suspended Microsoft from a green-card labor certification program, alleging fraud; it also criticized university visa use and proposed an OPT fee.
- When
- The announcement was made Thursday; the administration's proposed OPT fee was announced Wednesday.
- Where
- The announcement was made at a White House news conference in the United States.
- Why
- The administration alleges that the program is being abused and that hiring foreign workers can displace American workers.
Administration's allegations
Worker-program rationale
Use of foreign-worker programs
Administration's allegations
Vance alleged Microsoft used the green-card process to replace American workers with foreign workers and said the company had used the system more than any other US company.
Worker-program rationale
The article says H-1B visas are intended for high-skilled jobs that are difficult to fill with American workers. Microsoft did not immediately comment on the allegations.
Impact on H-1B workers
Administration's allegations
Vance argued that H-1B workers are vulnerable because losing a job can require them to leave the country, and claimed they earn less than Americans in similar roles.
Worker-program rationale
The article provides no response from Microsoft or H-1B workers addressing Vance's claims.
- Company affected
- Microsoft
- Program action
- Suspended from a program requiring employers to advertise jobs before seeking green cards for foreign workers.
- Figures cited by Vance
- Microsoft laid off 6,000 US workers, obtained 6,300 H-1B visas and almost 3,000 green cards last year.
- Proposed OPT fee
- $70,000 per student, payable by schools under the proposed rule.
- Other visas discussed
- J-1 visas, which the article describes as temporary visas for work and study exchange programs.
- Microsoft response
- The company had not immediately responded to a request for comment.