US Freezes Green Card Applications (Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS (Tata), Wipro, HCL, Capgemini) The US government has suspended green-card applications at major companies, including Microsoft and Adobe, amid investigations into alleged fraud within a significant immigration program. This action is part of a broader initiative spearheaded by President Donald Trump to limit the presence of foreign-born individuals in the country and to tighten pathways to residency and citizenship. This crackdown specifically targets skilled-worker immigration programs, which are crucial for foreign tech workers seeking permanent residency. JD Vance “There has been no company that has abused the system more than Microsoft” aur “6,000 Americans laid off while 6,300 H-1B and 3,000 green cards”
US Freezes Green Card Applications The recent suspension extends to new and pending applications involving several IT services companies and is linked to Project Firewall, which has opened approximately 200 cases and imposed millions of dollars in penalties.With this move, the Labor Department is effectively halting all new and pending applications associated with the identified firms. This crackdown further emphasizes the administration focus on enforcing immigration policies and protecting American jobs by scrutinizing the employment of foreign nationals in the tech industry. Additionally, it comes in the wake of a recently imposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications as outlined in a White House proclamation.
PERM Filings and Workforce Cuts Raise Questions Over Foreign Hiring
US Freezes Green Card Applications The actions represent a significant shift in the landscape of skilled-worker immigration in the US, raising concerns about the future of foreign talent in the country.Vice President JD Vance criticized Microsoft for allegedly exploiting the U.S. immigration system, stating that the company laid off 6,000 American employees while simultaneously benefiting from 6,300 H-1B temporary worker visas and approximately 3,000 green cards. His remarks were made shortly before former President Trump recognized technology billionaires, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, for their contributions to the nation.
US Freezes Green Card Applications Notably, Nadella, who previously held an H-1B visa, expressed gratitude to Trump upon receiving an honor, proclaiming his commitment to furthering technological advancements and enhancing American prosperity. Additionally, Elon Musk, also a recipient of the H-1B visa, was honored, along with three other immigrant CEOs, indicating a prominent theme of immigration within the tech industry and its implications for the American workforce. US Freezes Green Card Applications
US Freezes Green Card Applications Microsoft has emerged as the largest filer of PERM applications, which are essential for the permanent labor certification process required for most employment-based green cards, as reported by the US labor department. The PERM process mandates that employers demonstrate that hiring foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages or job prospects of US employees.
US Freezes Green Card Applications In its recent communications, Microsoft stated that approximately 80% of the H-1B visa applications it submitted in the last fiscal year were intended to extend or change the statuses of existing employees, rather than to recruit new staff. Additionally, in July, the company announced a workforce reduction of 4,800 jobs, equating to about 2.1% of its total global workforce.
Microsoft files more than twice as many PERM applications as Apple
Tech companies among largest PERM applicants as of June 30, 2026
Crackdown Widens
US Freezes Green Card Applications Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling announced an expansion of the crackdown on labor certification applications that will now include several prominent tech companies. The suspension affects Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Capgemini. Sonderling emphasized that his office will not accept any new applications or process any pending permanent labor certification applications related to these firms. This move represents a significant enforcement action in the labor certification process, reinforcing the government stance on compliance within the tech industry.
US Freezes Green Card Applications In the period since 2009, certain companies have sought nearly three million foreign workers, resulting in the approval of over 230,000 H-1B visas and more than 100,000 permanent labor certifications. According to U.S. immigration data, Amazon.com emerged as the largest employer of approved H-1B beneficiaries in fiscal year 2026. It was followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Apple, and Microsoft. US Freezes Green Card Applications
Vance indicated that the suspensions would be indefinite, emphasizing that the administration seeks a transformation in hiring practices among companies. He criticized certain firms for posting ineffective job advertisements, which they then use as a rationale to hire lower-paid foreign workers due to an alleged shortage of applicants. In response, Microsoft asserted in its statement that it compensates its H-1B employees equivalently to other workers performing comparable roles, thereby defending its staffing practices in light of the suspensions. Indian IT companies such as Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, HCL Technologies, Wipro, and Capgemini have not responded to requests for comment regarding their practices related to H-1B visas.
US Freezes Green Card Applications Tata Consultancy Services also opted not to provide a statement. According to Nasscom, the Indian IT industry body, there has been a notable decrease in the dependence of these companies on H-1B visas within the United States. Additionally, the number of their employees pursuing green cards through the PERM process remains relatively low. In September of the previous year, the Labor Department initiated an enforcement initiative known as “Project Firewall,” which was introduced alongside a White House decree that instituted a one-time fee of $100,000 for new H-1B visa petitions for foreign workers.
Amazon leads H-1B approvals among major US employers
Universities Under Scrutiny
Vance announced that nine universities, including prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, are under investigation for allegedly misusing exchange-visitor visas to undermine American wages. The other universities involved in the scrutiny are Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito confirmed that subpoenas have already been issued as part of this investigation. The focus of the inquiry will be on determining whether foreign influence, inappropriate financial relationships, or visa abuse are jeopardizing federally funded research initiatives within these institutions.
US Freezes Green Card Applications The statement by Sarah Spreitzer, vice president at the American Council on Education, highlights the significant economic implications of international students on the U.S. economy, noting their historical contribution of approximately $40 billion annually. This context underscores an ongoing conflict between the U.S. administration and Harvard University regarding foreign students. US Freezes Green Card Applications
The Department of Homeland Security has been investigating Harvard for potential non-compliance with immigration laws, having issued a subpoena last year that Harvard dismissed as “unfounded retribution,” although they have agreed to comply with legal requirements. The situation has been exacerbated by swiftly changing visa policies, which have led to a notable decline in international applications to Columbia University, prompting the school to pause admissions for one of its journalism programs, as reported by Reuters. This series of events collectively illustrates the complex interplay between immigration policy, higher education, and the broader economic landscape.
Summary
- Move follows $100,000 fee on fresh H-1B petitions under White House proclamation
- Project Firewall has opened about 200 cases and levied millions in penalties
- Labor Department will halt new and pending applications involving the named companies
- Suspension covers new and pending PERM applications involving seven named IT services companies
Why did US freeze green card applications for Microsoft and Infosys?
US Freezes Green Card Applications The Trump administration decision to freeze PERM applications for green cards from companies such as Microsoft and Infosys stems from concerns over potential fraud and abuse within the system. This move was prompted by allegations that these companies were substituting American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, thereby violating the intent behind the employment-based immigration process. The government aimed to tighten regulations and ensure that job opportunities were being safeguarded for domestic workers amidst rising scrutiny of the H-1B visa program and its implications for the labor market.
Which companies are affected by the green card suspension?
The suspension of green cards has impacted eight significant companies in the technology and consulting sectors. These companies are Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Capgemini. The implications of this suspension may affect their hiring practices and the retention of skilled foreign workers.
What is PERM in US green card process?
PERM, or Permanent Labor Certification, is an essential step in the U.S. green card process. This certification requires employers to demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position before they can file for a green card for a foreign worker. The PERM process aims to protect the job opportunities for U.S. citizens and residents by ensuring that foreign labor is only utilized when necessary. US Freezes Green Card Applications
Does this affect H-1B visa holders?
The freeze in question pertains solely to PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) applications, which are essential for obtaining a green card. Consequently, H-1B visa holders are not directly affected by this freeze; however, the situation complicates their trajectory towards acquiring permanent residency, as the freeze impedes the necessary steps they must take to transition from their temporary work status to permanent residency status.
Is the green card freeze permanent?
US Freezes Green Card Applications No, the freeze on green cards is not permanent. The Labor Secretary stated that the suspension will remain in effect “as long as it needs to” while criminal investigations are ongoing.
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