Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Microsoft Says Most H-1B Filings Covered Existing Employees
The US government suspended Microsoft from a programme that starts the process for some workers to get Green Cards.
The administration said big technology and outsourcing companies had abused the visa system at the expense of American workers.
Microsoft said most of its H-1B applications last fiscal year were for employees who already worked there.
It said the applications for new hires were for people already living legally in the United States.
Representative Pramila Jayapal said the suspension could make it harder for immigrants to work legally and could hurt innovation.
She also said the PERM process has safeguards to protect American workers.
Vice President JD Vance disagreed with her criticism.
The dispute is about how to protect US workers while allowing companies to hire skilled workers from abroad.
Microsoft said 80% of about 6,000 H-1B applications it filed last fiscal year were to extend or change the status of current employees.
The company said applications for new hires were for people already legally living in the United States and represented about 1% of its US workforce.
The Trump administration suspended Microsoft from the PERM employment-based Green Card programme, accusing major technology and outsourcing firms of abusing the visa system.
Pramila Jayapal criticized the suspension, saying it undermines legal immigration and US innovation; she said PERM includes safeguards for American workers.
JD Vance defended the administration’s position and criticized Jayapal, characterizing her stance as supporting a continuing supply of low-cost labor for large corporations.
- Who
- Microsoft, the Trump administration, Representative Pramila Jayapal, and Vice President JD Vance.
- What
- The administration suspended Microsoft from the PERM employment-based Green Card programme; Microsoft defended its H-1B filing practices.
- When
- The suspension was announced on Thursday; Microsoft’s cited H-1B figures cover the last fiscal year.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- The administration accused major technology and outsourcing companies of abusing the visa system at the expense of American workers; critics said the suspension undermines legal immigration and innovation.
Critics of the suspension
Administration’s position
Effect on legal immigration
Critics of the suspension
Jayapal said the action undermines legal immigration and removes pathways for immigrants to contribute their skills.
Administration’s position
The administration said major technology and outsourcing firms were abusing the visa system at the expense of American workers.
Effect on workers and innovation
Critics of the suspension
Jayapal said immigrants contribute to the economy and that the suspension weakens America’s ability to innovate; she said PERM has safeguards for US workers.
Administration’s position
Vance criticized Jayapal’s position, portraying it as support for a continuing supply of low-cost labor for large corporations.
Microsoft’s hiring practices
Critics of the suspension
Microsoft said 80% of its roughly 6,000 H-1B applications were for current employees and that new-hire applications were for people already legally in the US.
Administration’s position
The administration’s action reflected its broader accusation that large technology and outsourcing companies abuse the visa system, though the articles do not provide a specific response to Microsoft’s figures.
- Microsoft H-1B applications
- About 6,000 submitted in the last fiscal year.
- Applications for existing employees
- Microsoft said 80% were to extend or change the status of current employees.
- Applications for new hires
- Microsoft said these were for people already legally residing in the United States.
- Share of US workforce
- Microsoft said applications for new hires accounted for about 1% of its US workforce.
- PERM
- The Permanent Labour Certification programme is the first step toward an employment-based Green Card.
- H-1B
- A temporary US work visa for skilled foreign workers, generally for up to six years.
- Companies named as covered
- The articles identify Microsoft and also name Tata, Infosys, and Wipro among companies covered by the suspension.