US Suspends Green-Card Processing for Microsoft, Adobe

The United States government has halted the processing of employment-based green-card applications for major technology companies, including Microsoft and Adobe, over allegations of abuse of the skilled-worker immigration system. This suspension also affects other IT firms such as Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Cognizant, and Capgemini.

The US Labour Department will cease accepting new applications and processing pending applications for permanent labour certification, known as PERM, which is essential for employers sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency. US Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of being the most significant abuser of the system, citing layoffs while continuing to seek green cards for foreign workers.

Microsoft refuted these claims, stating that 80% of its H-1B applications were for existing employees. Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling confirmed that the suspension would remain during the investigation into the companies' use of the certification system.

The action follows the introduction of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions.