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White House blocks Microsoft and seven other tech firms from permanent foreign worker hiring program
Overview
The White House has barred Microsoft and seven other technology companies from hiring skilled international workers through the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM). Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft and firms like Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini of committing fraud and replacing American workers with foreign employees. Secretary of Labour Kieth Sonderling confirmed that the US government will not process new or pending PERM applications from these companies. Microsoft defended its hiring practices, stating that the vast majority of its US employees are Americans and that most H1b visa filings are for existing staff.
Key points
- The White House barred Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini from the PERM foreign worker hiring program.
- Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of abusing the visa system and replacing laid-off American workers with foreign staff.
- Secretary of Labour Kieth Sonderling stated the US government will stop processing new and pending PERM applications for the affected companies.
- A Microsoft spokeswoman responded that the vast majority of its US employees are American and that 80% of its H1b filings last fiscal year were for existing employees.
- The H1b visa program has an annual cap of 85,000, and the PERM process serves as a pathway for workers to become permanent US residents.