Archive · 8 Oct 2026
US Suspends Microsoft, Other Tech Firms From Residency Programme
The US government suspended Microsoft from a programme for skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residency.
Vice President JD Vance said the company had allegedly abused the programme.
He said it should hire American workers.
A labor official said several other technology companies were also suspended.
Those named included Adobe, Infosys, Tata and Wipro.
The government also plans to investigate nine universities.
Officials allege the universities brought in international students to undercut American wages.
An inspector general said subpoenas had already been served.
Microsoft had not immediately commented, according to the report.
Vice President JD Vance said Microsoft was suspended from a federal programme for foreign workers seeking permanent residency.
Officials cited alleged fraud; Vance accused Microsoft of abusing the system and urged it to “hire American workers.”
Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling said Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCO and Capgemini were also suspended.
The Labor Department said it would investigate nine universities over allegations involving international students and American wages.
Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito said subpoenas had been served; Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
- Who
- The US government, Microsoft, other technology companies and nine universities; Vice President JD Vance announced the suspension.
- What
- Microsoft and several other IT companies were suspended from a programme for foreign workers seeking permanent residency; nine universities are under investigation.
- When
- Thursday; the articles do not specify a date.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- Officials cited alleged fraud in the residency programme and allegations that universities brought in international students to undercut American wages.
- Programme
- A federal programme used by companies to seek permanent residency for skilled foreign workers.
- Suspended companies named
- Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCO and Capgemini.
- Universities under investigation
- Nine universities; Harvard, Yale and Stanford were named.
- Allegations
- Officials cited alleged programme fraud and alleged efforts to undercut American wages.
- Investigation step
- Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito said subpoenas had been served.
- Microsoft response
- Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to Reuters.
