The United States government has suspended Microsoft and several major IT companies from a programme used by skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residency, citing alleged fraud and a push to prioritise American workers.
US Vice President JD Vance said the government’s message to Microsoft was that the company must hire more American workers.
“Our message to Microsoft is: You’re a great American company, but you’ve got to hire great American workers,” Vance said.
US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling said other major IT firms affected by the suspension include Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini.
“We will not accept any new or process any pending permanent labor certification applications involving these companies,” Sonderling said.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The affected companies are being suspended from the PERM process, under which employers must obtain certification from the US Department of Labor that no qualified, willing or available American worker can fill a specific position.
The certification is required before employers can file petitions for most employment-based green cards.
Vance also said the government would investigate nine universities, including Harvard, Yale and Stanford, over allegations that they brought in international students to undercut American wages.
Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito said subpoenas had already been served as part of the investigations.
“We will investigate whether foreign influence, improper financial relationships, or visa abuse are compromising federally funded research,” D’Esposito said.
He added that universities could face scrutiny if they violate the law to reduce costs while exposing American research to foreign influence.
“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,” D’Esposito said.
Erizia Rubyjeana
Follow us on:
