Trump Administration Suspends Microsoft, Adobe, and IT Giants From PERM Green Card Program

The Trump administration has barred several major technology and IT services companies—including Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, and Tata—from participating in the federal permanent labor certification program known as PERM, according to a report by Wired (https://www.wired.com/story/trump-administration-crackdown-microsoft-adobe-immigration/). The program serves as a critical regulatory gateway allowing H-1B visa holders to pursue permanent residency in the United States, requiring employers to demonstrate that no qualified domestic workers were available for the permanent roles.

Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling stated that federal authorities are investigating whether the suspended companies engaged in fraudulent practices that undercut American workers by prioritizing foreign hires. Speaking at a press conference, Vice President JD Vance singled out Microsoft, asserting that no company in the country had abused the visa framework to a greater degree.

In a statement provided by spokesperson Kaitlin Haskins, Microsoft stated that it only submits H-1B petitions for workers who satisfy the category's rigorous standards, adding that it strengthens the domestic talent pipeline while attracting global talent. Haskins noted that filings for new hires represented 1% of the company's domestic workforce and that 80% of its H-1B filings in 2025 were submitted to extend or alter the status of existing staff. Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, and Tata did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The suspension marks a notable development for domestic tech worker advocacy organizations such as Jobs Now, a group composed of U.S. citizens working in big tech that has filed complaints alleging PERM abuse. The organization stated that it helped American applicants submit applications for nearly 500,000 job postings across 7,000 employers between January 2025 and July 2026, arguing that domestic workers should receive first consideration for all open roles.

Federal scrutiny over PERM compliance has previously touched other industry leaders. Earlier this year, OpenAI and an acquired entity settled federal accusations concerning program rule violations, following a similar settlement reached by Apple in 2023.

Technology and IT consulting providers remain among the heaviest corporate users of foreign worker visas. In fiscal year 2026, Amazon, Tata, and Infosys secured the highest number of approved H-1B visas. Microsoft ranked fifth with 3,688 approved petitions, down from 6,258 approvals in fiscal year 2025.

It remains undetermined whether the PERM suspension will alter the ability of these companies to sponsor standard non-immigrant H-1B visas for prospective hires. Neither the Office of the Vice President nor the Department of Labor provided immediate clarification regarding prospective H-1B petitions. In his remarks, Vance drew a distinction between exceptional individual talent and broad corporate reliance on foreign labor pools.

The regulatory enforcement unfolded shortly before President Donald Trump was scheduled to award Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Vance stated that while the administration intends to maintain a relationship with Microsoft, the company will remain barred from permanent residency sponsorships until it demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing domestic labor.

Vance also announced that federal agencies are investigating nine universities to determine whether they engaged in fraud under the J-1 visa framework for international researchers and students. Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito warned that the agency will pursue legal enforcement against any institutions found breaking labor laws.