Donald Trump's administration has suspended the processing of green cards for employees of Microsoft, Adobe, and several other companies, while Microsoft faces accusations of laying off Americans while hiring foreign specialists.
The US Department of Labor has stopped accepting new applications under the PERM program and reviewing already submitted documents. This procedure is necessary for obtaining many work green cards, although the restrictions do not mean a complete suspension of all visas for foreigners.
Consulting companies Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Capgemini were also affected by the measures.
Vice President J.D. Vance accused Microsoft, particularly Xbox, of laying off American employees while simultaneously using foreign hiring programs.
Microsoft stated that about 80% of its H-1B visa applications in the last fiscal year were for existing employees extending their stay in the country or changing their status. The company also claims that it pays them on par with colleagues in similar positions.
The checks also affected nine American universities. The duration of the restrictions is currently unknown. Foreign specialists face delays in obtaining permanent residency, and technology companies face uncertainty in hiring planning.