The Trump administration is suspending Microsoft and other technology companies from a labour certification programme that allows employers to hire foreign workers for permanent US residence, with Vice President JD Vance claiming the programme was abused.
Key facts
- The Trump administration is suspending some tech companies, including Microsoft, from a permanent worker immigration programme, according to Reuters.
- The permanent labour certification programme lets an employer hire foreign workers who can reside permanently in the US.
- Vice President JD Vance announced the move at a press conference.
- Vance claimed the programme, intended for use when there are not sufficient US workers, was abused.
- The full scope of which firms are affected was not detailed in the initial reporting.
The Trump administration is suspending some technology companies, including Microsoft, from an immigration programme that allows employers to hire foreign workers who can reside permanently in the United States, as reported by Reuters.
The action targets the permanent labour certification programme, which is intended for use when there are not sufficient US workers available for a given role. The programme provides a pathway for employers to hire foreign workers on a permanent basis.
Vice President JD Vance announced the move during a press conference. According to the reporting, Vance claimed the programme had been abused.
The suspension affects Microsoft along with other tech companies, though the full scope of which firms are impacted was not detailed in the initial reporting.
The move marks another instance of the administration scrutinising how employers in the technology sector use federal immigration programmes to bring foreign workers into the country.
Why it matters
The permanent labour certification programme is a key route for technology companies to retain skilled foreign workers long term, so suspending access could affect hiring and staffing at major firms. The decision also signals continued federal pressure on how the tech industry uses immigration programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What program is Microsoft being suspended from?
The permanent labor certification program, which lets an employer hire foreign workers who can reside permanently in the US, intended for use when there aren't sufficient US workers.
Who announced the suspension?
Vice President JD Vance announced the move at a press conference, claiming the program had been abused.
Are other companies affected?
Yes. According to Reuters, the administration is suspending some tech companies in addition to Microsoft, though the full list was not specified in the initial reporting.