White House blocks Microsoft from using worker visa program

The White House has barred Microsoft and seven other technology firms from permanently hiring skilled foreign workers through the H-1B visa program. Vice President JD Vance accused the companies of fraud in their use of the program, alleging they are replacing American workers with foreign labor.

The U.S. Department of Labor stated it will not process any new or pending Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM) applications from these companies. This action stems from concerns that companies and universities have become "visa mills" that are "flooding" the U.S. with foreign workers.

Microsoft has contested the allegations, stating that the majority of its H-1B visa filings in the past fiscal year were for existing employees, not new hires. The company also affirmed that foreign workers hired through the program receive compensation equivalent to U.S. workers in similar roles.

The accusations were made on the same day Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella received a technology innovation medal from President Donald Trump at the White House. Vance specifically criticized Microsoft, claiming the company laid off American workers while simultaneously filing for foreign worker visas.