Trump Administration Suspends Microsoft from H-1B Program

The Trump administration has suspended Microsoft from the H-1B green card program, accusing the company of abusing the immigration pathway to the detriment of American workers. Vice President JD Vance made this announcement during a White House press conference, stating that for every worker Microsoft laid off, they replaced that worker with one and a half foreign workers.

This suspension is one of the most direct actions taken against a major technology employer by the administration. The H-1B visa program allows employers to hire foreign workers for specialized roles that are difficult to fill domestically, with technology firms being the primary users.

The announcement follows a separate proposal from the Department of Homeland Security that would impose a $70,000 fee on universities for each international student participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). Vance also indicated that nine universities would be investigated for potential fraud related to J-1 visas, which cover international visitors for work and study exchange programs.