US Suspends Microsoft, Adobe and Six IT Firms From Skilled Worker Green Card Program
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe and six IT firms from labor certification processing over fraud claims, as nine universities face separate visa probes too.
Summary
On October 8, 2026, the Trump administration suspended Microsoft, Adobe, Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata and Wipro from a permanent labor certification program that helps skilled foreign workers obtain US residency, accusing the companies of fraud without detailing the allegations. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling said no new or pending applications involving the eight companies would be accepted. Vice President JD Vance urged Microsoft to hire more American workers.
H-1B visas serve highly skilled roles that employers struggle to fill with qualified US workers, and technology companies are among the biggest users. Nearly three-quarters of approved visas go to workers from India. Vance also announced investigations into nine universities, including Harvard, Yale and Stanford, for allegedly abusing an international student program and undermining American wages. Microsoft and Adobe did not immediately comment.
Positives
- JD Vance says the suspension is intended to push Microsoft toward hiring more American workers.
- New and pending labor certification applications are both covered, expanding the government’s enforcement action beyond future filings.
- Nine university investigations broaden scrutiny of alleged wage suppression involving international student programs.
Risks & concerns
- Microsoft, Adobe and six major IT services companies can no longer submit or advance affected permanent labor certification applications.
- Nearly three-quarters of approved H-1B visas go to Indian workers, making them especially exposed to disruptions affecting major technology employers.
- Harvard, Yale and Stanford are among nine universities facing investigations over alleged international student program abuse.
- Fraud allegations against the eight companies remain unspecified, leaving the basis and potential duration of the suspensions unclear.
- Microsoft and Adobe had not responded, leaving affected workers without company guidance on the immediate consequences.