US suspends Microsoft, major IT firms from key green card programme

"We will not accept any new or process any pending permanent labor certification applications involving these companies," Sonderling said..@VP: "There has been no company in the United States, unfortunately, that has abused this system more than Microsoft.

"Microsoft laid off 6,000 American workers in 2025 after certifying that it could not find qualified American employees — yet the company was approved for more…https://t.co/xh4ZYUDob. Zpic.twitter.com/HGOY63Xwkf— Rapid Response 47 (@Rapid. Response47)October 8, 2026Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Under the PERM process, employers seek certification from the Department of Labor that there is no qualified, willing or available US worker for a specific job. It is a step required before filing petitions for most employment-based green cards.

Vance also said nine universities, including Harvard, Yale and Stanford, would be investigated for allegedly bringing in international students to undercut American wages. Labor Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito said subpoenas had already been served. "We will investigate whether foreign influence, improper financial relationships, or visa abuse are compromising federally funded research," D'Esposito said.

"If an American university is breaking the law to save $1 while exposing American research to a foreign adversary, that is not academic excellence. It's institutional betrayal. "