Vance Says U.S. Will Suspend Microsoft and Other Firms From Green Card Program - WSJ

The White House announced on Thursday that the United States will suspend Microsoft and several other technology firms from a program that allows employees on H‑1B visas to apply for green cards. The decision was presented by Vice President JD Vance during a news conference at the White House.

Vance said the suspension was based on allegations that Microsoft had engaged in fraudulent practices related to the green card process. He added, “If you do the math, for every worker that Microsoft laid off, they replaced that worker with one and a half foreign indentured servants,” emphasizing the administration’s view that the company’s actions have harmed American workers.

The green card program in question is tied to the H‑1B visa system, which is intended for high‑skill positions that are difficult to fill with U.S. workers. Technology companies are the primary users of the H‑1B program, and historically nearly three‑quarters of approvals have gone to workers from India.

Microsoft, headquartered in Redmond, Washington, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the suspension. The announcement follows a broader push by the Trump administration to scrutinize the H‑1B system and to limit the employment prospects of international students in the United States.

On the same day, the administration indicated that President Trump will present the National Medal of Science to Elon Musk and a group of leading technology executives, highlighting the administration’s continued focus on the technology sector.